An upcoming exhibition at the Charles Dickens Museum in London will unveil the famed author’s approach to summer vacations alongside some personal correspondences. Scheduled from 26 August to 27 September, the exhibition highlights Dickens’ escapes from the bustling city heat to various coastal retreats, including Kent and the Isle of Wight.
Historical Summer Getaways
In a letter dated 12 August 1840 to his brother Alfred, Charles Dickens describes a London emptied of residents seeking cooler climes, noting that “all the watering places are crammed with hot people.” This letter, part of the exhibit for the first time, paints a vivid picture of Dickens’ seasonal retreats from the sweltering city to the sea breezes of Broadstairs, Kent.
Dickens’ Passion for Travel and Holidays
Emma Harper, the deputy director of the Charles Dickens Museum, remarks on Dickens’ frequent retreats from London’s busy atmosphere. He made time for holidays and spontaneous breaks, often accompanied by his family. Despite his love for London, Dickens cherished these escapes, sometimes transporting his favourite furniture along to maintain comfort while working amidst leisure.
Beach Showers and Riverside Picnics
During one such retreat in 1849 to Bonchurch on the Isle of Wight, Dickens constructed a shower cubicle that transformed a waterfall into a shower bath. Describing this unconventional project to printer William Bradbury, Dickens highlighted the bewilderment it caused among locals.
An 1851 letter recounts a river excursion with his son Charley and others. With promises of a gourmet picnic prepared by Fortnum & Mason’s hampers, Dickens invites his friend Thomas Beard to join them, promising companionship over tobacco and champagne after dinner.
Vivid Descriptions of Travel Experiences
In a letter to biographer John Forster, Dickens extravagantly describes himself during an Italian trip, complete with vibrant wardrobe and a carefree attitude, while another letter to Beard from 1845 vividly depicts a leisurely holiday filled with quirky experiences like resting in peculiar beds across various locations.
The exhibition titled “Summer in the City with Charles Dickens” offers a glimpse into the personal escapades and gritty descriptions that shaped Dickens’ summer adventures, while also revealing his relentless thirst for travel and relaxation.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.