Aubusson Weaves Tolkien – Exhibition – Paris

On the occasion of the seventieth anniversary of completing The Lord of the Rings, the Collège des Bernardins hosts the exhibition “Aubusson Weaves Tolkien”, presented by the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie in Aubusson, from March 21 to May 18, 2025. For the first time, these tapestries will be exhibited outside the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie and will be showcased at the Parisian institution.

“Europe and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region invest in this project”

College des Bernardins, Aubusson tisse Tolkien, Tapisserie, Exposition
Bilbo woke up with the Early Sun in his Eyes: H. 320 cm X l. 260 cm
Bilbo woke up with the Early Sun in his Eyes, based on the original work by J.R.R. Tolkien,
© The Tolkien Estate Limited 1937, tapisserie, tissage Atelier Françoise Vernaudon, Aubusson, 2020,
Collection Cité internationale de la tapisserie ©-Voyez-Vous-Laetitia-dAboville

Fifteen tapestries from the Hanging, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s original graphic work and created over seven years by the workshops of the Cité Internationale de la tapisserie, will be on display in the nave, the former sacristy and the 18th-century staircase of the Collège des Bernardins. Memorabilia from private collections will complete the exhibition.

College des Bernardins, Aubusson tisse Tolkien, Tapisserie, Exposition
Mithrim, based on the original work by J.R.R. Tolkien,
© The Tolkien Trust 1977, tapisserie, tissage Ateliers Pinton,
Aubusson, 2019, Collection Cité internationale de la tapisserie
©-Voyez-Vous-Laetitia-dAboville

The Collège des Bernardins aims to provide an insight into the Christian dimension of Tolkien’s work. His relationship with faith is also the focus of the artistic and academic program accompanying the exhibition

Halls of Manwë – Taniquetil: H. 318 cm, l. 248 cm
Halls of Manwë – Taniquetil, based on the original work by J.R.R. Tolkien,
© The Tolkien Trust 1973, tapisserie, tissage Ateliers Pinton,
Aubusson, 2018, Collection Cité internationale de la tapisserie – Studio Nicolas Roger

Scientific Committee

Jean Chausse, exhibition curator member of the Tolkien Society
Damien Bador, director of the “Tolkiendil” Association
Leo Carruthers, professor Emeritus and author of Tolkien and Religion: Like an Invisible Lamp
Father Clément Pierson, comparative literature (dissertation on Tolkien)
Michaël Devaux, doctor of philosophy and president of “la Compagnie de la Comté
Pierre Korzilius, director of Art and Culture at Collège des Bernardins
Isabelle d’Ornano, patron of the artistic program
Jean-Philippe Qadri, doctor in Comparative Literature, co-editor of For the Glory of This World: Reconciliations and Consolations in Middle-earth.
Jérôme Sainton, co-administrator of the website “JRRVF” and co-editor of For the Glory of This World: Reconciliations and Consolations in Middle-earth

College des Bernardins, Aubusson tisse Tolkien, Tapisserie, Exposition.
The Gardens of the Merking’s palace, based on the original work by J.R.R. Tolkien,
© The Tolkien Trust 1992, tapisserie, tissage Atelier A2, Aubusson, 2024,
Collection Cité internationale de la tapisserie -©-Voyez-Vous-Laetitia-dAboville

Artistic Programming Around the Exhibition

Tolkien Reading Day: continuous reading of The Silmarillion (March 22-23, 2025).
Conferences: themes around nature, man, and mystery in Tolkien’s work (March 24, April 3, April 24, 2025).
Concerts: Festival des Heures, music inspired by Tolkien (April 4-5, 2025).
Screening: “The Lord of the Rings, unabridged” (April 26, 2025).
International symposium: participation of international specialists (May 16-18, 2025).

College des Bernardins, Aubusson tisse Tolkien, Tapisserie, Exposition
©-Voyez-Vous-Laetitia-dAboville

Le Collège des Bernardins

A jewel of Cistercian architecture in the heart of Paris, the Collège des Bernardins is open to all. Training, debates, research seminars, and artistic performances interact to fulfill its mission: to promote an authentic cultural and intellectual dialogue between the Church and society.