Jef Murray - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Mithalwen · 08-04-2015, 07:58 AM

I hope against hope that this isn't true, but it is being reported online from good sources that Jef Murray has died suddenly. He is one of the few artists whose Tolkien pictures I enjoy and it feels very sad that there not only will be no picture this Tuesday but no more "Tolkien Tuesday" pictures ever. I only spoke to him online and briefly but I am sure others will have met him and know him better.

Such very sad news and condolences to those affected.

Bêthberry · 08-04-2015, 11:21 AM

It is, very sadly, true that he has journeyed to the far green country under a swift sunrise. Confirmed by his wife and posted by Carl F. Hofstetter on the Mythopoeic Society's Facebook page. A sudden heart attack at the very young age of 55. Ted Nasmith also wrote a moving tribute to their friendship and Jef's contribution to the Tolkien community on his FB page.

I knew him slightly--bought Black and White Ogre Country from him and discussed with him his illustrations, which I thought captured the whimsy of the vignettes so well. He was a gracious and kind soul as well as a superb illustrator, although I have to admit that I found his interpretation of Tolkien too rigid and doctrinaire. Our world views were worlds apart. Yet he contributed much to the study of Tolkien and fantasy.

Faramir Jones · 08-05-2015, 06:42 AM

I first found the news on the Tolkien Society's website, a source I trusted. My condolences to all those who knew of him and who cared about him.

It's nice that you were acquainted with him, Bêthberry.

08-04-2015, 07:58 AM	#1
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,455	Jef Murray I hope against hope that this isn't true, but it is being reported online from good sources that Jef Murray has died suddenly. He is one of the few artists whose Tolkien pictures I enjoy and it feels very sad that there not only will be no picture this Tuesday but no more "Tolkien Tuesday" pictures ever. I only spoke to him online and briefly but I am sure others will have met him and know him better. Such very sad news and condolences to those affected. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

08-04-2015, 11:21 AM	#2
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 5,996	It is, very sadly, true that he has journeyed to the far green country under a swift sunrise. Confirmed by his wife and posted by Carl F. Hofstetter on the Mythopoeic Society's Facebook page. A sudden heart attack at the very young age of 55. Ted Nasmith also wrote a moving tribute to their friendship and Jef's contribution to the Tolkien community on his FB page. I knew him slightly--bought Black and White Ogre Country from him and discussed with him his illustrations, which I thought captured the whimsy of the vignettes so well. He was a gracious and kind soul as well as a superb illustrator, although I have to admit that I found his interpretation of Tolkien too rigid and doctrinaire. Our world views were worlds apart. Yet he contributed much to the study of Tolkien and fantasy. __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away. Last edited by Bêthberry; 08-04-2015 at 05:07 PM.

08-05-2015, 06:42 AM	#3
Faramir Jones Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lonely Isle Posts: 706	Hail and farewell I first found the news on the Tolkien Society's website, a source I trusted. My condolences to all those who knew of him and who cared about him. It's nice that you were acquainted with him, Bêthberry.