This man is converting real world maps into Lord of The Rings artwork

Dan Bell likes maps and Lord of The Rings, so he decided to bring the two things together.

What started out as a hobby fed by his love for the intricate maps of J R R Tolkien’s world has turned into a full-fledged profession.

Bell spoke to indy100 about how he makes the maps, and who his favourite LOTR character is:

How does it all work? What’s your process?

I start with an Ordinance Survey map of the area in question, and essentially reimagine it by hand and eye. I pick out key features, such as forests, mountains and lakes - and transform them into this Tolkien-esque style.

The whole process takes approximately two days per map, which includes various pencil sketches and the final inking over.

How many maps have you completed?

I have completed 11/15 UK national parks but overall I have drawn close to 50 hand drawn maps.

Picture: /Greater London 

When did you start creating the maps, and where did you get the inspiration (apart from the obvious!)

I started last September by drawing out the map of Middle-Earth.

Picture: /Middle Earth

I enjoy looking at, and reading, maps so I was inspired to mix reality with fantasy in an effort to create totally new and unique maps.

Picture: / Oxford 

Are there any maps you’ve done that are inspired by places in Lord of The Rings/The Hobbit/other Tolkien works?

A very good question. I'm reliably informed that the Kingmoor ring, a 10th – 12th century Viking finger ring bearing a magical runic inscription to ward off fever and leprosy was Tolkien's inspiration for 'The One Ring'.

This ring was found in Cumbria, for which I have drawn the Lake District. There has also been the suggestion that Gordale Scar in the Yorkshire Dales was the inspiration for Helm's Deep (although I cannot vouch for this).

Picture: / Snowdonia 

Who’s your favourite character in the books and why?

I think it has to be Legolas because he's a man of skill and precision.

I prefer the books [to the movies] I think, because they allow the reader to imagine the story in their own way.

Picture: / Westeros 

Will you branch out to parks all over the world?

Absolutely. I have had so many requests for other national parks around the world. The American national parks especially. I think doing some of New Zealand's national parks would be great to do as well.

You can purchase prints of his maps here.

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