Exhibition: More! Oliver Twist, Dickens and Stories of the City

This exhibition explores the characters, events, places and personal tales of triumph and tragedy that inspired and shaped the novel that made Charles Dickens a household name across the world.

Step back in time to 48 Doughty Street in 1837 and observe Dickens at home, as he brings the story of little Oliver into being: struggling to meet deadlines, balancing busy home and work commitments whilst wrestling with disagreements with his publisher.

Among the items on show will be:

- A page of Dickens's original handwritten manuscript of Oliver Twist

- Letters concerning the book, written by Dickens at Doughty Street, including detailed instructions to his publisher and illustrator

- The preliminary drawing by George Cruikshank from which his engraving, 'Fagin in the Condemned Cell', was made. The earliest record of the most notable illustration of Fagin.

- Autographed first editions of Oliver Twist

- Unseen lockets exchanged by Dickens and Mary Hogarth, each containing locks of their hair


Oliver Twist is our local story: it was written here in Dickens's Bloomsbury house, and much of its contents was inspired by the neighbourhood and events that befell the author at this time in his life. In celebration of this local connection, this exhibition has been filled and shaped by our local community. Our neighbours have contributed stories inspired by Dickens's own narrative knacks and tricks on show in Oliver Twist.

Ian has visited review here.

Note: Exhibtion extended to March 2022.