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 (Si apre in una nuova finestra) 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" (Si apre in una nuova finestra), so to speak. I really do not need to stress the links Tolkien had to Blackwell's (Si apre in una nuova finestra), 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 (Si apre in una nuova finestra).

Next time you are in Oxford do look out for the Poetry Corner (Si apre in una nuova finestra) 🥰 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 (Si apre in una nuova finestra) has been in. Do also know that Basil Blackwell is one of the few given the Freedom of the City (Si apre in una nuova finestra) 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 (Si apre in una nuova finestra)! 

Picture credits: Keith Barnes (Si apre in una nuova finestra) / Morris Oxford (Si apre in una nuova finestra).

This post was originally published (Si apre in una nuova finestra) on Mar 13, 2022.