The Marion E. Wade Center at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, is a major research collection dedicated to the works and legacies of seven British authors. Recently, The Conservation Center was honored to conserve several remarkable pieces connected to two of the most influential figures in fantasy literature: C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Watch the video of the treatment below, and then scroll down to learn more about the conservation process and the history behind these treasured objects:
Nestled among more than 21,000 volumes - including first editions, critical works, and original manuscripts - the Wade Center also houses personal artifacts that offer a glimpse into the daily lives of these beloved writers and the magical worlds they created. Among these are C.S. Lewis’s family wardrobe, writing desk and chair, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s writing desk. All three were recently treated onsite by Senior Furniture Conservator Stephen Ryan. Following detailed planning and coordination with the Wade Center, our team completed the day-long conservation visit on campus to ensure these historically and literarily significant objects will continue to inspire future imaginative generations.
C.S. Lewis’s Family Wardrobe
Believed to have been crafted around 1650, possibly in Scotland, this English Oak wardrobe holds a special place in literary history as part of the family collection of author C.S. Lewis and now resides in the museum’s permanent collection. The wardrobe was in C.S. Lewis’s childhood home in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and later moved to his adult home, The Kilns, near Oxford for the remainder of his life.
The wardrobe’s surface exhibited a light layer of particulate matter, and large shrinkage splits had developed along the side panels and the proper left door. Over time, the piece had undergone numerous alterations and repairs: a replacement lock installed in a different position from the original, 19th-century drawer pulls, non-original bracket feet, and a replaced proper right top rail. The proper right drawer face was missing a section of decorative molding, and cleats had been added to the interior side panels—later modifications that restricted the natural movement of the wood and caused additional splits. The finish, a mixture of beeswax and soot, showed signs of wear consistent with age and use, along with brass cleaning residue around the drawer pulls.
Stephen began with thorough photographic documentation to record the wardrobe’s condition. The surface was gently cleaned using denatured alcohol to conservation standards, and the non-original cleats were carefully removed to restore the wood’s natural flexibility. Finally, a protective coat of wax was applied to the surface, re-establishing a subtle sheen and preserving the historic finish for future generations.
C.S. Lewis’s Writing Desk and Chair
Also treated during the onsite visit were C.S. Lewis’s writing desk and chair—two pieces that, together, offer a tangible connection to the author’s creative life. Both date to the Victorian era and reflect the craftsmanship and style of mid-19th-century English furniture.
The writing desk, made of English Oak with solid and veneered construction, was likely crafted around 1850. The surface exhibited a light layer of particulate matter, and areas of veneer loss were visible around the plinth. Shrinkage splits had developed on both the proper left and right pedestals, and the polished surface had lightened due to UV exposure over time. The two drawer knobs were slightly loose, and the finish showed the gentle wear expected of a well-used piece.
The matching chair, made of Mahogany with a shellac finish, was similarly Victorian in style and likely produced around 1860. The surface had dulled with age, but all of the joints remained secure, and an earlier repair to the crest rail was found to be stable.
Conservation treatment began with thorough photographic documentation of both pieces. Surfaces were carefully cleaned using mineral spirits to conservation standards, removing accumulated dust and grime while maintaining the original patina. The loose veneers on the desk were stabilized, and the drawer knobs were secured to ensure continued functionality. A protective coat of paste wax was then applied to both the desk and chair, restoring a soft sheen and providing a layer of preservation for future generations.
J.R.R. Tolkien’s Writing Desk
Rounding out the day’s onsite treatments was J.R.R. Tolkien’s writing desk, another treasured piece within the Wade Center’s collection and a tangible link to the author’s literary legacy as Tolkien wrote The Hobbit and parts of The Lord of the Rings on this desk. Crafted of solid Oak with Oak-veneered plywood, the desk is believed to date to around 1910 and reflects early 20th-century English design. The desk was a gift to Tolkien from his wife, Edith, in 1927.
The surface exhibited a light layer of particulate matter, with areas of wear and dulling consistent with age and use. Despite this, the piece remained structurally sound and in overall good condition.
As with the other treatments, conservation began with detailed photographic documentation. The desk was then carefully cleaned using mineral spirits to conservation standards, removing surface grime while preserving the original finish. A protective coat of paste wax was applied to restore a gentle luster and help safeguard the surface for years to come.
This collaboration between The Conservation Center and the Marion E. Wade Center reflects a shared commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage. By caring for these deeply personal pieces connected to C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, conservators helped ensure that future visitors, scholars, and admirers can continue to experience a tangible connection to two of the most creative minds in modern literature.
