A proud family legacy
She studied English at Oxford’s Lady Margaret Hall college before pursuing a long career in social work. Upon her death, Lady Margaret Hall honored her as “one of the generation of women who, after the Second World War, pioneered the entry of women into the professions.”
Following her father’s death, Priscilla acted as a representative for the family during public occasions. She became a trustee of the Tolkien Estate and the Tolkien Trust, and vice president of the Tolkien Society. Together with her brother John, she produced an intimate biographical photo book, The Tolkien Family Album, that was published in 1992.
Priscilla on J.R.R. Tolkien
Tributes to Priscilla Tolkien
This is a very sad day indeed. Those who knew Priscilla will remember her as a kind and warm person who was incredibly generous with her time. As Vice President of the Society no one knew Society members and Tolkien fans better, where she would even invite members round her house during our Oxonmoot events. Those gatherings are cherished memories by attendees, just as for her publications like Mr. Bliss and The Letters from Father Christmas were delightful memories of her childhood and her father’s love and creativity. It is the end of an era, and we send our condolences to all those who knew and loved her.
Shaun Gunner, Tolkien Society Chair