Charles John Huffam Dickens was the most popular British novelist of the Victorian era, responsible for some of English literature's most iconic characters. The continuing popularity of his novels and short stories is such that they have never gone out of print.
Charles Dickens at the V&A
Books, manuscripts, correspondence, illustrations, pictures and other objects relating to Charles Dickens’s life and works can be found in many parts of the V&A.
Read article
Illustrations for Dickens' Novels
Some of the outstanding illustrators and artists of the day were recruited to provide images for Dickens's novels, often producing illustrations at short notice for forthco…
Read article
The Charles Dickens Manuscripts
Many books, manuscripts, prints and paintings relating to Dickens came to the V&A when John Forster left his library and art collection to the Museum.
Read article
Charles Dickens: A Tale of Two Cities
A digitised version of the original manuscript of 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens
Read article
Charles Dickens: The Mystery of Edwin Drood
A digitised version of the original manuscript of 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' by Charles Dickens
Read article
Charles Dickens - David Copperfield
A digitised version of the original manuscript of 'David Copperfield' by Charles Dickens
Read article
What the Victorians Read at Christmas
The commercialisation of Christmas, which many today consider a bane of modern life, in fact has its origins in the 1840s. Henry Cole sent the first Christmas card (now in …
Read article
National Art Library Forster Collection
John Forster (1812–76) was a noted biographer, critic, essayist and historian who collected a vast library. He bequeathed this collection to his wife and on her death it pa…
Read article
Become a V&A Member
V&A Members enjoy a wealth of benefits, including free entry to exhibitions, previews, exciting events and the V&A Members’ Room. In addition, you will be supporting the vital work of the V&A.
Buy or Renew Membership OnlineShop online
Truth About Love
Have you ever wondered: Why the heart is the symbol of love? Who St Valentine really was? Why Cupid wears a blindfold? Why a bride throws her bouquet?…
Buy now
