A quick word of thanks to Alex Judd for helping me out with promoting the exhibition, and a massive massive thanks to Kirstin Eggers for taking care of bookbinding for me - you're an absolute diamond!

Interesting little bit of trivia: the term 'Muggleton' was coined by Charles Dickens to describe any place completely devoid of distinguishing features; an 'everytown' if you will.
And after which town did he base this phrase? Maidstone, Kent - the town I've been studying in for the last three years! Oh Maidstone, even 150 years ago you were famously bland.

On that note, here are some photos of 'The Ghost of Dickens Past' wandering around modern-day Maidstone.

Dickens portrayed by Mikele Roselli-Cecconi - photography by SZS

Been plugging the show all week; Southsea should now be awash with posters and flyers.

I've also been in contact with the Portsmouth News and they may possibly be sending 

a photographer down to cover the opening night. Fingers crossed...

ILLUSTRATIONS

Here's a handful of examples of the work on display. 

The final selection will contain paintings and drawings, illustrated books, photography, sculpture and more. There will also be a gift shop featuring a host of handmade Dickens memorabilia.

Extract from 'When Dickens Met... Washington Irving'

 Extract from 'When Dickens Met... Victor Hugo'

Extract from 'When Dickens Met... Hans Christian Andersen'

WELCOME TO 'THE INIMITABLE DICKENS'

       Having grown up in Portsmouth, Dickens’ influence has always been present, and I have long since respected his work for its fascinating characters, combination of serious social comment and dry wit, and its strong moral values. His body of work is almost incomparable in its significance to English literature, with Shakespeare his only real equal; however, this exhibition deals with Dickens as a person, as I feel his works have been explored extensively enough.

       I have investigated both his divided character, so often misinterpreted, as well as his iconic look and powerful presence, as he has risen to be viewed more a symbol of virtuous ideals than a real man. I have also looked into his connections with Portsmouth; though, having only lived here in his infancy, this is not the central focus. Essentially I have tried to interpret Dickens the man in as many ways as possible, to create a fulsome and varied portrait.