I just want to talk you through some of
the
>> these sketches offer a rare glimpse into
the world of Charles Dickens. It's the
first time the pen, ink, and watercolor
drawings have gone on display. They show
the novelist and his stage company
rehearsing for productions, including
The Frozen Deep and Mr. Nightingale's
Diary. They show Dickens in one of his
amateur performances. We think of
Dickens as a writer, but his first love
was always the theater. So we can see
him acting, we can see him directing,
and we can see him putting together this
wonderful collection of the great and
the good and Victorian society.
>> The drawings date back to the mid 1850s
and were created by Nathaniel Powell. He
was Dickens's neighbor in London's
Tavistock Square and was often invited
to attend theatrical performances at his
home.
>> These were obviously private. They were
dynamic times where they're working out,
with their practicing. And so, you know,
these are things that were meant to be
sort of hidden. So, it's hugely exciting
that his neighbor took these images.
>> And the Dickens family say they're happy
to see them.
>> Just to know that somebody was there
making these little hasty sketches was
wonderful because gives you a real
insight into what it was like. When I
find out about these new sketches, it
was absolutely fascinating. As they go
on display, the curators here hope they
offer more insight into the life and
legacy of Charles Dickens. Aisha Zahed,
ITV News.