(Click second thumbnail above to watch video)
 
Museum-Quality Matte Paper Print available in two sizes:
12" x 16" (30cm x 40cm): $35.00
24" x 32" (60cm x 80cm): $48.00
 
“Master Everard Took and Miss Melilot Brandybuck got on a table and with bells in their hands began to dance the Springle-ring: a pretty dance, but rather vigorous.” - The Fellowship of the Ring, Book 1, Chapter 1: A Long-expected Party
 
This original painting captures the moment at Bilbo Baggins’ eleventy-first birthday party, when Master Took and Miss Brandybuck are dancing the Springle-ring on the table and Bilbo has to blow on a toy horn to regain the attention of his guests.
 
When you get your fine art print of this painting home, there are many details you may notice. I have based my Bilbo on the Professor throughout this painting series because, as J.R.R. Tolkien wrote in letter 213:
 
“I am in fact a Hobbit (in all but size). I like gardens, trees and unmechanized farmlands; I smoke a pipe, and like good plain food (unrefrigerated), but detest French cooking; I like, and even dare to wear in these dull days, ornamental waistcoats.”
 
I have always thought of Bilbo as Professor Tolkien, and here, he is wearing a waistcoat embroidered with bees and clover in honor of his visit to Beorn’s hall. There is golden melilot clover on Miss Brandybuck’s gown, too. At the far right, you may notice Mrs. Tolkien as a venerable Shire gammer, clapping in time to the music. In front of her sit a young Frodo Baggins and Meriadoc Brandybuck filling in the corners. Gandalf sits opposite Bilbo’s empty chair in a seat of honor and I have invented the pressed flower lanterns hanging from the Party Tree as a nod to Bilbo’s fondness for flowers.
 
Bilbo’s birthday (and Frodo’s, too) is September 22nd, but you can celebrate these beloved hobbits year-round with your purchase of this fine art print. Happy birthday, Bilbo!