It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death of Tolkien artist and Tolkien Society member Jef Murray. He was 55.
Many will be familiar with Jef’s Tolkien-inspired sketches and paintings which have been featured regularly online and in our publications Amon Hen and Mallorn. He attended many Middle-earth themed conferences and events across the world, and his work has often been displayed in dedicated exhibitions.
Beyond Tolkien, Jef is also well-known for his illustrations inspired by C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. But he also illustrated scenes and characters from other works of mythopoeic literature, including his own writings.
He has edited the Mystical Realms newsletter since May 2006. In 2009 he illustrated Black & White Ogre Country: The Lost Tales of Hilary Tolkien, a collection of stories by J.R.R. Tolkien’s younger brother. In 2012 Jef published Seer: A Wizard’s Journal, a collection of his own short stories, poems, essays, and artwork.
He will be greatly missed. Namárië!
Visit Jef’s website to get a flavour of his great talent and passion.
