The Charles Dickens Museum, Vol. II

Precisely two millennia ago, or so it seems, I posted the first of a two-part series chronicling my visit to the Charles Dickens Museum on Doughty Street. Since my Achilles' Heel is procrastination, the concluding post is only now just arriving. Tut, tut.

As someone whose passion for books is, ironically, beyond words, visiting a site of literary significance is such a special time for me. They are my Mecca. Moving about the intimate spaces where beloved authors lived and wrote is a transcendent experience. I often imagine that the ghost of the writer in question lingers behind, looking upon the visitors whose lives he has touched with his words. 

What would Dickens think of the fuss made over him today? Considering he was well known and popular during the Victorian period, part of me thinks he'd be used to the attention. The other part can't help but feel that even Charlie D. would be amazed at the growth and endurance of his authorial celebrity. Would he feel mortified knowing strangers were looking over his commode and other personal belongings? I would!

Here's a glimpse of my time spent exploring Dickens's home on 48 Doughty Street. Located in the lovely Bloomsbury neighborhood in London, the museum warrants a visit from any Dickensian fanatic...

Here I am, in Charlie D's foyer

A Christmas garland festoons the banister

Personal letters line the hall

I believe this one was sent to Dickens's illustrator George Cruikshank

A collection of author photographs

The drawing room was decorated for Christmas, Victorian style

I'm digging the furniture, but what's up with the creepy mask?

I love the Victorian Christmas crackers

Mr and Mrs Fezziwig from A Christmas Carol

Painted by Dickens's daughter Katey, born at this house

Special exhibit on Dickens as an orator

His personal reading copy of Sikes and Nancy

Notes added for emphasis (and when Dickens expects a laugh?)

Oliver! exhibit

Nancy's costume from the musical production

Commode owned by the family

where Dickens presumably sat his royal bottom

The table which saw Dickens's last written words

Priceless!

My favourite item in the giftshop: Charles Dickens Action Figure

Complete with quill pen and removable hat!

Saying farewell...

The view from Doughty Street

Ah, what a fantastic visit. I look forward to stopping by again in the future!

P.S. Vol. I of my Charles Dickens experience.