Experience the vibrant sketches that showcase Charles Dickens' passion for performance.
In a groundbreaking reveal, the Charles Dickens Museum in London has opened its doors to a stunning collection of unpublished sketches that delve into the theatrical world of Charles Dickens. Created between 1855 and 1857, these remarkable pieces provide a rare glimpse into Dickens’ life and his deep love for the stage.
The exhibition is on display now, running until September 21, and it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss!
What to Expect from the Exhibition
Get ready to be captivated by a unique set of pen, ink, and watercolor sketches that bring to life Dickens and his theater company during rehearsals for plays like “Mr Nightingale’s Diary” and “The Frozen Deep.” You’ll spot familiar faces among the sketched figures, including Mark Lemon, the former editor of Punch magazine, Dickens’ eldest daughter Mamie Dickens, and the acclaimed playwright Wilkie Collins, who famously collaborated with Dickens on “The Frozen Deep.”
These informal sketches were crafted by Nathaniel Powell, Dickens’ neighbor in Tavistock Square.
Powell fondly reminisced, “We were invited by Mr and Mrs Dickens to attend theatrical performances at their house. They were intensely interesting on account of the cast, the staging, and the audiences.” His 1857 sketchbook is the only known visual documentation of Dickens in rehearsal, capturing the vibrant energy and creativity of that era.
Why These Sketches Matter
Frankie Kubicki, director of the Charles Dickens Museum, highlights the significance of these sketches: “Far removed from the many polished images of Dickens in performance, these are the only known immediate ‘snapshots’ of Dickens in rehearsal.” Kubicki describes the sketches as a “window into one of the enduring passions of Charles Dickens’s life – performing.”
These sketches not only illuminate Dickens’ theatrical pursuits but also offer an intimate look at the staging and costuming that have largely gone undocumented. “These vivid sketches give us an enticing and intimate glimpse of the productions staged by Dickens and the friends and family within his theatre group,” Kubicki notes.
A Glimpse into History
Did you know that Charles Dickens moved into Tavistock House—now home to the museum—in 1851? He lived there for nine years, producing some of his most famous works, including “Bleak House,” “Hard Times,” “Little Dorrit,” and “A Tale of Two Cities.” Today, the Charles Dickens Museum stands as the only surviving residence of Dickens in London.
Alongside the sketches, one piece will also be featured in the museum’s current exhibition, “Showtime!,” set to run until January 2026. The rest will be displayed in Dickens’ study, where he penned his literary masterpieces.
This exciting acquisition of unseen sketches was made possible thanks to the support of the Art Fund and the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, along with the Wilkie Collins Society. Their efforts ensure that this vital piece of literary history is preserved for future generations. So, are you ready to step into Dickens’ world? Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity!
