So this weekend I finally made it to the Sherlock Holmes exhibition at the Museum of London.
"The Man Who Never Lived and Will Never Die" explores the world of Sherlock Holmes from his initial creation through to his many incarnations on the silver screen.
Born from the creative mind of Victorian novelist and physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock has captivated millions of people from around the world with his genius ability to solve crimes along with his sidekick Dr Watson.
My first encounter with Sherlock Holmes was receiving a copy of the Hound of the Baskervilles from Santa when I was eight years old. To my eternal shame I didn't read it at the time (I put this down to not fully appreciating great works of literature until I was in my teens), but never fear Sir Arthur I've just bought a copy and have every intention of reading it. My second encounter was watching re-runs of "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes "on ITV3 with my mum at the weekend. Watching Jeremy Brett bring the enigmatic Holmes to life started to ignite my desire to know more and eventually read the books.
Now, like many others, I now associate the great detective with Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller both of whom have done a great job in bringing Sherlock to a younger audience. But who is Sherlock Holmes?
Well, at the Museum of London as you step through a secret door in a bookcase and enter the library of 221B Baker Street, the infamous character begins to unfold.
Sherlock Holmes first appeared on the literature scene in 1886. Inspired by Edgar Allen Poe, the sleuth who could solve anything was based on Dr Joseph Bell an Edinburgh professor who had amazing analytical skills.
With over 56 novels written between 1886 and 1927, the detective has spawned countless TV Shows, films and stage productions with Basil Rathbone, Frank Langella, Peter Cushing and Ian Richardson and soon Sir Ian McKellen donning the deerstalker. What might surprise you is that after two years of writing Sherlock novels Sir Arthur didn't want to continue so he killed off Sherlock at the Reichenbach Fall. According to the exhibition curator due to popular demand, plus the fee Conan Doyle could make from each book, he decided to revive him. Thank goodness. Coincidentally Sir Arthur was one of the highest paid 19th Century authors.
As you venture through the exhibition you can't help but feel you've entered a mind palace as each room opens up a new perspective of Sir Arthur's protagonist. I particularly enjoyed exploring the vast collection of disguises worn by Sherlock in various novels and TV shows - it would make a fancy dress shop owner weep to see this collection on display.
Born from the creative mind of Victorian novelist and physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock has captivated millions of people from around the world with his genius ability to solve crimes along with his sidekick Dr Watson.
My first encounter with Sherlock Holmes was receiving a copy of the Hound of the Baskervilles from Santa when I was eight years old. To my eternal shame I didn't read it at the time (I put this down to not fully appreciating great works of literature until I was in my teens), but never fear Sir Arthur I've just bought a copy and have every intention of reading it. My second encounter was watching re-runs of "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes "on ITV3 with my mum at the weekend. Watching Jeremy Brett bring the enigmatic Holmes to life started to ignite my desire to know more and eventually read the books.
Now, like many others, I now associate the great detective with Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller both of whom have done a great job in bringing Sherlock to a younger audience. But who is Sherlock Holmes?
Well, at the Museum of London as you step through a secret door in a bookcase and enter the library of 221B Baker Street, the infamous character begins to unfold.
Sherlock Holmes first appeared on the literature scene in 1886. Inspired by Edgar Allen Poe, the sleuth who could solve anything was based on Dr Joseph Bell an Edinburgh professor who had amazing analytical skills.
With over 56 novels written between 1886 and 1927, the detective has spawned countless TV Shows, films and stage productions with Basil Rathbone, Frank Langella, Peter Cushing and Ian Richardson and soon Sir Ian McKellen donning the deerstalker. What might surprise you is that after two years of writing Sherlock novels Sir Arthur didn't want to continue so he killed off Sherlock at the Reichenbach Fall. According to the exhibition curator due to popular demand, plus the fee Conan Doyle could make from each book, he decided to revive him. Thank goodness. Coincidentally Sir Arthur was one of the highest paid 19th Century authors.
As you venture through the exhibition you can't help but feel you've entered a mind palace as each room opens up a new perspective of Sir Arthur's protagonist. I particularly enjoyed exploring the vast collection of disguises worn by Sherlock in various novels and TV shows - it would make a fancy dress shop owner weep to see this collection on display.
Now I leave the rest of it up to you. There are only a few weeks left to see the exhibition (closes on 12th April) so make sure you book your tickets www.museumoflondon.org.uk.
The Top Five Sherlock Quotes*
1."My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other people don't know."
The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle
2."There is nothing new under the sun. It has all been done before."
A Study in Scarlet
3."I am the last and highest court of appeal in detection."
The Sign of Four
4."The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes."
The Hound of the Baskervilles
5."I listen to their story, they listen to my comments, and then I pocket my fee."
A Study in Scarlet
*Taken from www.sherlockholmesquotes.com
