THEY'RE taking the hobbits to Havenstreet!
Chris Birse, of Fantasy World Maps, has completed his latest project — a Lord of the Rings-esque map of the Isle of Wight.
"It all started three years ago when I began writing a fantasy novel," said Chris.
"I needed a map, to insert at the beginning of the book.
"Rather than get someone else to make it, I thought I'd give it a go myself.
"As a bit of practice, I did my home region of Teesside in this style, and posted it online.
"It was well received, so I decided to do other places, and it all kinda snowballed from there, really.
"I quit my job and I'm now doing this full time.
"I'd covered most of the south coast, and decided to do the Isle of Wight
The full map.
"The end goal is to publish a huge fantasy atlas. That's the dream, anyway."
Chris joined a myriad of Island-based facebook groups, in a bid to hone his knowledge of the area, and was overwhelmed by the response.
Feedback from residents has allowed him to produce a piece he is most proud of.
"When making these maps, I always aim to get local voices and opinions heard," said Chris.
"After all, I'm not from the area, and I don't want to come in acting like I know everything when the truth is the complete opposite.
Chris Birse's map of Hampshire.
"So I join local town and village groups, and ask what people would like to see included.
"I do my best to include everything, no matter how small."
A print of the map is available to purchase through Etsy.
"For such a small area, it's brimming with detail," said Chris upon completion of the project.
"We hope we've done the Island proud and you like the finished version."
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