Monday, 28 December 2020

Tolkien Musing - Eric Fraser

This is a look at the Tolkien collectables featuring the artist, not a look at their Tolkien art in general.

Eric Fraser was an artist who worked on various Tolkien related projects.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Fraser_(illustrator)



Folio Society Lord of the Rings Trilogy
In 1977 Fraser did some illustrations for the Folio Society Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

These were based on the original designs done by Margrethe II, Queen of Denmark.


Original and Current versions shown
    

        

Folio Society Hobbit
In 1979 Fraser also did some illustrations for the Folio Society Hobbit.


Original and Current versions shown
    

        

BBC Dramatisation
In 1981 Fraser produced the promotional artwork for the BBC dramatisation of The Lord of the Rings.

Radio Times Cover


The image also used on Posters, Soundtracks and other promotional items.
        

The original art was auctioned in 2019 (English Literature History Children’s Book and Illustrations, lot 292 by Sotheby’s, July 9th 2019).







Auction description


This might now be owned by Brian Sibley (see Facebook post June 2020)

Black and white images
Fraser also did 26 art images which were used for each BBC episode of the dramatisation.

These were used every week in the Radio Times for each episode.


The first of these was also used on the box of the original Cassette release of the Dramatization and again on other releases.



The original art was auctioned in 2019 (English Literature History Children’s Book and Illustrations, lot 290 by Sotheby’s, July 9th 2019).
It sold for £5250

                                



Auction description




Map
Fraser also produced an unpublished Map of Middle-Earth.

The original art was auctioned in 2019 (English Literature History Children’s Book and Illustrations, lot 291 by Sotheby’s, July 9th 2019).



Auction description

Tolkien Musing - Mike Ploog

This is a look at the Tolkien collectables featuring the artist, not a look at their Tolkien art in general.

Mike Ploog is an artist who worked on the Bakshi Lord of the Rings movie.

His art is featured on various Tolkien collectables, as well as his original Tolkien art being rare collectable items in themselves.


Fellowship Image
Ploog produced an iconic image of the Fellowship which was used on Posters and other items.

Poster


Calendar, Board Games and Jigsaw Puzzle
            

Original Artwork
Original art auctioned in 2017 (Hollywood Auction 89, Lot 1347, by Profiles In History, June 28th 2017, Calabasas US)
Pencil and charcoal
14”x17.5”


Auction description


Facebook post 16/7/2016




Ebay Auction
Date: TBC
This eBay auction details on Worthpoint details the artwork being sold, along with some history of the poster.





Watercolour Painting
Details from Facebook post 21/12/2015



Preliminary Drawing
Sold on eBay February 2023






The Shire In Winter
Original Pencil Drawing
43x29”


Frodo Leaves the Shire
Auctioned on eBay 7/1/2024



Other Concept Art
Ploog also produced some concept art for the Bakshi movie.


















Ents
            

Orcs




Backgrounds
Ploog was also involved with producing various backgrounds for the Bakshi movie.

    












Storyboards
Ploog was also involved with producing various storyboards for the Bakshi movie.

Note: examples given, not a full catalogue.

Boards










Singles
                                

Other Tolkien Art
These are the other artworks Ploog produced which was not Bakshi movie related.

Some of these are also not specifically stated as Tolkien related, however they do appear to be.

The Balrog
Oil on board 24”x18”


The Wraith
This is based on the Bakshi concept art (see above).
Oil on canvas board 20”x16”


Orc Fire


The Journey
Appears to be of Hobbits.


FPG Trading Cards
All of these appeared on Ploog Trading Cards.
1993
            

Autograph Card
Limited 1000