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St. Tammany Parish:
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Keepers |
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by Stephen Faure
This issue’s Keepers takes a turn way far away from antiques and knick-knacks and sports memorabilia. We’re taking a look at a collection from another world—the world of Middle Earth and the Wizards, Elves, Hobbits, Orcs, Goblins, Ents, Trolls and the other creatures that inhabit this magical place. The literary creation of J.R.R. Tolkien during the 1930s, Middle Earth was recently re-created cinematically by director Peter Jackson in his film adaptations of Tolkien’s novels “The Lord of the Rings,” “The Two Towers,” and “Return of the King.”
Collector Sean Hickey of Slidell became an avid fan of all things Middle Earth at an early age, when the librarian at his grammar school gave him Tolkien’s book “The Hobbit” to read when he was in the second grade. However, he did not begin his collection until the 2000 release of the movie version of “The Lord of the Rings,” which was the sequel to “The Hobbit.”
Sean has hundreds of figurines that re-create characters from the three films. The small statues range in height from about 6 to 20 inches. They are cast in a material called polystone, a plastic resin mixed with stone additives that gives the figures a feel and weight similar to porcelain. Polystone also provides for a highly detailed finish that can hold a variety of paint finishes.
All of the movie characters are present in Sean’s collection, some more than once, in different poses or movie scene representations. One of his most prized figures is of director Peter Jackson as a Corsair in the final film, “Return of the King.” Jackson gave himself cameo appearances in all three movies, but this is the only role made into a commemorative statue.
Polystone is also used in the creation of larger-scale character busts and re-creations of movie scene cities and places known as environments. Environments in Sean’s collection include the dark wizard Sauramon’s tower and the epic battle scene at Helm’s Deep.
The weapons used by various characters during the films’ epic battles have also been recreated. Sean has many weapons, including swords, helmets and wizards’ staffs. The swords and staffs are full-scale replicas, and adorn the walls of Sean’s Lord of the Rings room, an entire bedroom.
Contained within the room’s sword-and-staff-covered walls are wide shelf units built by Sean and his brother-in-law Donald that are home to the extensive statue and environments collection.
Among Sean’s most prized items is a pair of giclee prints by artist Allan Lee, the movie trilogy’s designer, which are signed by Lee and director Jackson. A metal statue of the evil Sauron, measuring almost two feet tall, is Sean’s largest figure.
Sean’s interest in Middle Earth is evident in every part of his house, and is shared with his family. His sister Kim has also been a fan, and his wife, Danielle, has become immersed in the collection. The groom’s cake at their wedding this past August, which was created by local baker Patsy Bruno, was a replica of the movie’s Hobbit House.
Movie and television collectible figures and prop replicas are available from Sideshow Collectibles, www.sideshowtoys.com. Weaponry reproductions from “Lord of the Rings” and other movies are manufactured by United Cutlery; a list of dealers is available at www.unitedcutlery.com.
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Copyright 2006, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved. |
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