RARE photographs and letters which provide a glimpse into the secretive world of author JRR Tolkien have been sold in Colchester for almost £40,000.

The official archive of the Lord of the Rings author’s photographer, Pamela Chandler, depicts Tolkien relaxing in his study and in his garden with his wife, Edith.

The intimate collection includes an image of Tolkien in his study with his hand-drawn map of Middle Earth, where The Hobbit and iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy were set, which sold for £760.

Gazette: Rare - the archive of images and correspondence from JRR Tolkien sold for almost £40,000 at Reeman Dansie AuctioneersRare - the archive of images and correspondence from JRR Tolkien sold for almost £40,000 at Reeman Dansie Auctioneers

After Ms Chandler died in 1993, her collection was passed on to her sister before being put up for auction at Reeman Dansie, which is based in Wyncolls Road in Severalls Business Park, Colchester.

Also among the archive are notebooks kept by Ms Chandler in which she described the Tolkiens as the “most adorable people you could care to meet”.

A group of 64 colour and black and white negatives also sold for £18,000. They were purchased with copyright, meaning the buyer will receive commission every time they are published.

The contact Ms Chandler kept from Tolkien includes signed letters she received from the author and his wife.

Gazette: The archive included a group of 64 colour and black and white negatives for the original shoots of the writer which sold for £18,000The archive included a group of 64 colour and black and white negatives for the original shoots of the writer which sold for £18,000

One such letter from the author giving his feedback on the photos taken for the shoot in his study in 1961 sold for £4,400.

Daniel Wright, the associate director at Reeman Dansie Auctioneers and Valuers, said: “The collection was quite impressive because it was so diverse and covered many different themes.

“A lot of the value was made up by the Tolkien material as he was such a private man items like this are scarce.

“We had a tremendous amount of interest from collectors around the globe, which was wholly anticipated.

Gazette:

“The combination of the nature of the material, which is a real insight into a very private man, and also a collecting market of items revered around the world leads to a fascinating auction.

“Dealing with studios with artist’s work and which has moved in those sorts of circles is exciting, especially as they have a tangible link to some of the most notable figures of the 20th century.”