Charles Dickens' Summer Escapes

Charles Dickens' letters, set to go on public display, offer a glimpse into his summer escapes from London's heat. In one letter to his brother Alfred, dated 12 August 1840, Dickens writes about the crowded pubs and the appeal of the coast, saying all the watering places are crammed with hot people.

Holidays and Leisure

Dickens' correspondence sheds light on his holiday pursuits, from picnics on the Thames to beach showering on the Isle of Wight. According to Emma Harper, deputy director at the Charles Dickens Museum, Dickens made sure to find time for holidays and days off, often packing up his belongings and heading to the Kent coast or the West Country with his family. Harper notes that Dickens loved London but was happy to escape its crowded hot pubs for the cooler climes of the coast.

Travel and Adventure

Dickens' letters also reveal his love for travel and adventure. In one letter, he writes about constructing an outdoor shower cubicle near his holiday cottage in Bonchurch on the Isle of Wight, expressing no qualms about spoiling the view for others. He also writes about a trip to Italy, where he sees himself sitting astride a mule, not caring for the clock or the day of the week. Harper describes Dickens as someone who relaxed energetically and loved to travel.

Exhibitions and Displays

The Charles Dickens Museum in London will display Dickens' letters, including the one to his brother Alfred, from 26 August to 27 September. The exhibition, Summer in the City with Charles Dickens, will be held in the study where Dickens wrote some of his famous works, including Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, and The Pickwick Papers. The display will offer a unique insight into Dickens' life and holiday pursuits, showcasing his love for travel, adventure, and leisure.

Some of the key items on display will include: