Tolkien Illustrator John Howe Opens Studio Allowing Visitors to Watch His Creative Process
John Howe, the artist whose illustrations helped shape how generations imagine the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, has opened a new studio in Switzerland that invites visitors to watch him at work and explore decades of fantasy art up close.
The 68 year old illustrator has set up his studio inside a former medieval prison in the Swiss city of Neuchâtel, a historic building that has been transformed into a museum space. The studio, known as the Tower of Fantasy, offers a rare glimpse into Howe’s creative world, allowing the public to observe him as he draws and paints, often in real time.
Howe is best known for his iconic interpretations of Tolkien’s Middle earth, work that eventually led him to become a concept artist on Peter Jackson’s blockbuster film trilogies The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. His visual style played a key role in shaping the look and atmosphere of the films, helping translate Tolkien’s richly detailed prose into cinematic imagery that resonated with audiences worldwide.
For Howe, opening his studio is about sharing both process and passion. Visitors can view hundreds of his original illustrations, sketches, and paintings, many of which depict the legendary characters and landscapes that have defined his career. Figures such as Gandalf, Treebeard, Saruman, and Legolas appear throughout the space, often emerging from deep shadows, cool blue tones, or warm glimmers of gold and green that give his work its distinctive mood.
A lifelong lover of mythology and legends, Howe’s artistic interests extend far beyond Tolkien. Over the years, he has worked on video games, book projects, and a television series, bringing his detailed and atmospheric style to a wide range of fantasy worlds. His drawings frequently explore themes of heroism, mystery, and the fragile boundary between light and darkness.
The choice of a former prison as a studio location adds another layer of symbolism to the project. Thick stone walls and narrow windows contrast with the imaginative freedom of Howe’s art, creating a setting that feels both grounded in history and open to fantasy. The space encourages visitors to slow down, observe, and reflect on how complex worlds are built one brushstroke at a time.
Fans of Tolkien and fantasy art have welcomed the idea of being able to watch an illustrator of Howe’s stature at work. Many see it as a rare opportunity to understand how iconic images are formed, from early pencil lines to finished compositions. For aspiring artists, the studio also serves as inspiration, offering insight into discipline, patience, and creative exploration.
By opening his working space to the public, Howe is turning art into a shared experience rather than a hidden process. The Tower of Fantasy stands as both a personal studio and a living exhibition, celebrating a lifetime devoted to imagination and storytelling through art.
