The only remaining London home of the 19th century literary genius Charles Dickens is today a museum that invites all of his admirers to experience the author’s lifestyle for themselves as it was during the days he completed work on his perhaps most famed work, “Oliver Twist”. At Number 48, Doughty street in Holborn, Central London, one finds this famous house converted museum of four stories, which Dickens occupied from 1837 to 1839.
Every attempt has been made to create the exact ambience of those bygone days of Dickens’s daily life and to appear as if he has just ‘stepped out’ and will be back soon for afternoon tea. From Dickens’s own arm chair as well as some remaining furniture to a half-finished portrait of his and many original manuscripts that are displayed in the museum, every item evokes a sense of nostalgia of the great author who has lived and breathed within these walls. Indeed, it was this famous locale that bore witness to the completion of the famous “Pickwick Papers”, as well as the entire script of “Oliver Twist” and “Nicholas Nickleby” before he moved on to grander surrounds as befitting his rising fame and accumulation of wealth
The building would have met with an untimely demolition had it not been for the interference of the Dickens Fellowship, which salvaged it and later opened it to the public after some renovation in 1925. Today, it holds the world’s most important paintings, manuscripts, original furniture and other material that are related to Dickens’s iconic sojourn on earth. Since most travelers to this part of London do enjoy a visit to this admirable location, it now boasts a lush garden plot, a quaint little café, and a souvenir shop for visitors looking to snag a bit of Dickens memorabilia.
For some one visiting the museum, it is easy to find a central London hotel that is of world class repute and grandeur to fully embody the luxury that the city is famed for. The Metropolitan London goes a step beyond and evoked a sense of peaceful relaxation and tranquility within this great bustling city with its neat interior decors of soft shades and natural lights, in addition to its congenial staff and world class services. Few can exceed the international grade services and congenial hospitality expressed by the staff at this stylish London luxury hotel.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
