Fingolfin's Findings XXIX: The Gaffer's Office

The recent news that the independent book chain Blackwell's with its origins right in the heart of Oxford had been sold to Waterstones (Öffnet in neuem Fenster) reminded me of one of its many quirks that only independent book publishing and bookshops seem to be able to provide: The Gaffer's Office.

It is the original office of Sir Basil Blackwell, left unchanged to this very day, that can only be reached by a "secret door" (Öffnet in neuem Fenster), so to speak. I really do not need to stress the links Tolkien had to Blackwell's (Öffnet in neuem Fenster), ranging from the publication of Goblin Feet to living in Sir Basil's home,  20, Northmoor Road. And the Gaffer's Office (my emphasis.)

Keep on reading by becoming my member here on Steady (Öffnet in neuem Fenster).

Next time you are in Oxford do look out for the Poetry Corner (Öffnet in neuem Fenster) 🥰 And if you are lucky enough to somehow visit this room, do know that the chair you sit in will be the chair J.R.R. Tolkien himself (Öffnet in neuem Fenster) has been in. Do also know that Basil Blackwell is one of the few given the Freedom of the City (Öffnet in neuem Fenster) of Oxford! 

Seriously, now that I come to think of it I might take one of those tours on the day before my birthday! Don't take my spot (Öffnet in neuem Fenster)! 

Picture credits: Keith Barnes (Öffnet in neuem Fenster) / Morris Oxford (Öffnet in neuem Fenster).

This post was originally published (Öffnet in neuem Fenster) on Mar 13, 2022.