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The Charles Dickens Museum London.

I love visiting the smaller historic places in London, the places that bring people alive and that tell a story. There are many houses in London that have been saved and turned in to museums because of the people that had been living there. The Charles Dickens Museum London is one of them. Half of the way down Doughty street not far from Holborn stands the town house where Charles spent most of his life

 

There are books of which the backs and covers are by far the best parts.”

Charles Dickens

The Charles Dickens Museum London. 48 Doughty street

 

You will enter the museum via the house next door, make a note to look next door at the original entrance.

The house had been restored and  in every room it shows the stories of Charles dickens life.

Dickens and his wife moved into 48 doughty street in 1837, where they brought up the first three of their ten children.

You will be given a guide book on entrance which you must return on exit. This tells you everything you need to know about Charles residence at Doughty street.

You first enter in to the hall where to will see some of the everyday articles Charles carried in his pockets back in the day , as an avid theatre goer you will see his plastic theatre ticket a chain link coin purse his bag and his matchstick holder.

 

 

The Charles Dickens Museum London. 48 Doughty street

 

It’s a real treasure trove of Charles life with original articles and pieces of furniture. Snippets of his life and his character emerge all of the artifacts.

Around the house and you will learn a lot about his inspiration for some of his stories.

You will visit every room of his house including the study where Charles wrote Oliver Twist, Pickwick papers and Nicholas Nickleby.

 

The Charles Dickens Museum London. desk

 

Charles original desk stands pride of place in the study along with many of his books. To think that this was where Charles dreamed up his wonderful stories fills you with inspiration.

The unfinished picture in the study “Dickens dream” depicts this perfectly. Each character popping  up floating around Charles mind, dickens work desk is even in the painting.

 

The Charles Dickens Museum London. 48 Doughty street dickens dream

 

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Charles Dickens

Next visit the dining room and where Charles entertained his guests.

 

The Charles Dickens Museum London. 48 Doughty street dickens dream

 

In the morning room  you will see the marriage certificate of Charlotte and Charles and even the beautiful engagement ring set with seven pieces of turquoise. It is thought that Dickens may have been referring to this in the book David Copperfield. ( a pretty little toy with blue stones)

 

“A loving heart is the truest wisdom.” Charles Dickens

 

Charles Dickens Museum London.

 

Later visit the typical Victorian kitchen the scullery washouse and even Dickens cellar, where he kept his very rare Madeira wines.

 

“We need never be ashamed of our tears.” Charles Dickens

The Charles Dickens Museum London. dickens wine cellar

 

“The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.” Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens Museum London.

 

For a short time you can see the actresses dress from the BBC production of great expectations. Miss Havishams dress is made from pure silk taffeta and tulle and embellished with handmade silk bobbin lace.

 

The Charles Dickens Museum London. Miss Havershams dress

 

The nursery shows a darker side Charles life and reflects his traumatic childhood in the workhouse. A prison grille and other objects marks the effect that it had on Charles writing.

 

“A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other.” Charles Dickens
 

The Charles Dickens Museum London. nursery

 

The below miniature shows Charles at the age of 18. It is one of the earliest known portraits of the author.

 

 

At the moment the museum is showing an exhibition on the ladybird book of Charles dickens. It shows the amazing illustrations that made the book.

The Charles Dickens Museum London is Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am- 5pm, it’s the perfect place to visit with a few hours to spare. A 10 minute walk from Holborn station makes it easily accessible. Costing just £9 for adults and just £4 for children,

There is even a beautiful tearoom to visit on your stay, serving sandwiches and cakes.

I hope you enjoyed your look around The Charles Dickens Museum London.

D x

 

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Charles Dickens Museum London.

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