Gates created by Tolkien's great-nephew restored

Volunteers have restored the Tolkien Gates to "to their former glory"

Metal gates created by the great-nephew of JRR Tolkien for a Wolverhampton nature reserve have been restored "to their former glory", a council said.

The Tolkien Gates, at the entrance to Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve on Brantley Avenue, Finchfield, were designed by sculptor Tim Tolkien in the 1990s with the help of local students.

City of Wolverhampton Council said their restoration, supported by local councillors, followed months of "tireless work and commitment from a dedicated team" of volunteers.

"Next time you're in the area, be sure to stop by and admire this fantastic piece of local art," it added.

In a post on the nature reserve's Facebook page, the council said artist Mr Tolkien had also supported work to the gates, which were now "fully restored to their former glory".

"Tim first brought the gates to life many years ago, in collaboration with University of Wolverhampton School of Art and Smestow Academy, whose students contributed to the original design," the post said.

The restoration involved cleaning and repainting the gates and realigning them at their base, it added.

The gates were created by JRR Tolkien's great-nephew, sculptor Tim Tolkien

The gates mark the entrance to the former Wolverhampton Environment Centre, transformed into a beauty spot and extension of the existing nature reserve in 2019.

They feature depictions of woodland animals, flora and fauna, and people bird-watching and working in gardens.