UK based illustrator Richey Beckett is a master of pen and ink. His style is deliberate. Impeccably crafted. The phrase ‘attention to detail‘ is tired and generic. Beckett’s work is beyond that — it’s all consuming. His drawings take time to fully see. Witnessing Beckett’s work downgraded to a thumbnail image is to not see the full breadth of his craft. There are no bold colors or rigid designs to aid his pieces on a smartphone screen. Beckett isn’t afraid to ask the viewer to take their time. Be patient and you will be rewarded.
His take on ‘Shelob’s Lair,’ that moment in J.R.R. Tolkien‘s ‘Lord of the Rings‘ where we find young Frodo Baggins on his way to Mordor to destroy the one ring — his companions and protectors scattered across Middle Earth. There’s panic and dread. A beautiful death approaching. Beckett’s version of Frodo Baggins is Biblical in design. Angelic in his supposed demise. Beckett’s illustration is an illuminated visual text telling the story of our young hero, trapped. Alone. Lost and hypnotized by the sprawling depth of the monster Shelob’s web, her cave his potential grave.
‘Shelob’s Lair’ by Richey Beckett
‘Shelob’s Lair’ (detail) by Richey Beckett
‘Shelob’s Lair’ (detail) by Richey Beckett
‘Shelob’s Lair’ by Richey Beckett
I would love to see this in person!
It’s gorgeous up close. Got this hanging in my office.