Slip case for The Lord of the Rings

Like many bookbinders I was greatly affected by the story of The Lord of the Rings.

Mr. Philip Smith spent a great deal of energy interpreting this story and it's rich tapestry of characters, in his many bindings.

I decided to concentrate on the slip case that was to house it.

The whole structure was made from 3mm greyboard.

During the construction light fittings were added, as were 12v electric motors.

Eventualy I had to get a transformer made which could supply the power as it drew 7 amps.

16 stepped pathways were constructed that ran from top to bottom weaving in and out of the structure. The pathways and turrets were gilded with bronze powder and imitation gold leaf.

1 inch diameter steel ball bearings ran down the pathways and were collected at the bottom and returned to the top via a lift.

As these ball bearings ran down the pathways, they touched copper contacts which caused lights to flash in the turrets and motors to run which operated the lift mechanism and opened windows in the turrets.

Lastly, on piano wire at the top most turret, a gilded dragon flew around.

When finished the slip case occupied a total of 5 square yards and was 11 feet high.