Shelfie with Alan Lee

The legendary illustrator Alan Lee, whose work will be familiar to anyone with a penchant for Tolkien, paid us a visit to tell us more about his latest sketchbook and to share three books that have brought him the most reading joy over the years.
The Hobbit Sketchbook: bit.ly/2D2uoDN
The Mabinogion: bit.ly/349IS0B
Gormenghast: bit.ly/2KHDXfM
Labyrinths: bit.ly/34ayEgG
F O L L O W U S
TWITTER --} / waterstones
FACEBOOK --} / waterstones
INSTAGRAM --} / waterstones
PODCAST --} www.waterstone...

[@samuelleask1132]

A true legend of Tolkien’s legacy

[@devak45167]

The level of genius and talent this man possesses cannot be overstated. His work inspires me on a level few artists can.

[@MtMarshi]

Alan Lee is my first introduction into the world of ASMR. Calmest voice this side of Hobbiton 😂

[@punisher6888]

Yo actually fax, his voice is so calm

[@thitherword]

My favourite artist (and one of my favourite people on the planet) talking about Gormenghast, one of my favourite books.

[@Robeeh2]

Alan Lee seems like my kinda guy, fabulous fabulous artist 👍🏼

[@simonlopez-xx1bi]

You are incredible, Mr Lee 😙😙😙

[@brenttwilson]

Thank you, Alan, you helped bring one of the most wonderful stories to life.

[@Sams911]

the fact that he's a fan of Gormanghast tells me this man is a true fan of all good fantasy fiction

[@DanIel-fl1vc]

Only legend in the shelfie playlist.

[@lprisk2013]

This is the only person they’ve ever interviewed that I know. Wish they had more relevant authors and artists on here.

[@eldergod4809]

Alan, your hobbit and lord of the rings sketchbooks are amazing, your totally awesome , 😎😁👍

[@inessamaria2428]

Nice recommendations

[@danielsantiago1416]

I wish I could have one sketch book with all drawings of all the characters in the hobbit☺️☺️☺️☺️I love "the hobbit" trilogy. I still watch the trilogy as often as I can....

[@Khultan]

👍 *Alan Lee* 👍

[@artistsjourney6603]

What is the name of the book he recommended first? Thank you!

[@WaterstonesTV]

Details in the description above but it's The Mabinogion: bit.ly/349IS0B

[@artistsjourney6603]

@@WaterstonesTV Thank my bad I just saw it!

[@madhusudana1143]

Can any one tell me about what is the drawing paper grade and pencil grade those artist use for drawing? please

[@bangzoom8180]

Frankly, any book Alan sincerely recommends, I'll buy. The End.😎

[@lprisk2013]

This is the only relevant Shelfie they’ve ever done.

[@spotthedog1613]

I absolutely adore Alan Lee, but..."Yorge Louis Borges"? I've only studied Spanish for a few years, but I'm crying inside. Otherwise, the man seems to be an artistic and literary genius.

[@burntgod7165]

Mabinogion isn't English literature, it's Welsh literature.

[@Uppernorwood976]

He didn’t claim it was. If you want a full picture of English literature you need to know a bit about Welsh, Anglo Saxon, Norse, French etc.

[@burntgod7165]

@@Uppernorwood976 Yes he did: Friend studying English literature. He also mispronounces the names of the characters featured in the branches. Don't educate me on anything Welsh. I'm Welsh and speak it.

[@robbaldwin2402]

@@burntgod7165 Welsh is famously difficult to pronounce for anyone who isn't actively trying to learn it.

[@Jay-D92]

@@burntgod7165 I don't think it's his fault. More like whoever his friend's prof was who added it to the required reading list in an English lit course.

[@madhusudana1143]

Can any one tell me about what is the drawing paper grade and pencil grade those artist use for drawing? please

[@falkel]

Pencils are probably a mix of 2B, 4B, 6B. Paper I'm not so sure, maybe 160 gsm and higher, and watercolour paper which has a great texture.