Haunts of Dickens

Haunts of Dickens showcases 58 watercolours by Paul Braddon depicting locations from many of Dickens' novels. Dunedin Public Art Gallery is touring this special exhibition throughout 2012 to mark to the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens (7 February 1812-9 June 1870). The Dunedin Public Library was gifted the paintings by A.H. Reed in 1956 for safe keeping.

Rather than create fictional towns or counties for his memorable creations to inhabit, Dickens used actual locations from his native England (and elsewhere) in his novels. Such locations as Rockingham Castle in Leicestershire, the Fountain Hotel in Canterbury, Rochester Cathedral in Kent, and countless places in London became central to many of Dickens’s books.

Braddon, the pseudonym of Birmingham born artist James Leslie Crees (1864-1938), spent his early artistic years sketching European churches and cathedrals. He later abandoned this style in favour of the watercolours for which he is best known.

Literary lives and locations became something of a specialisation for Braddon. Buildings and landscapes associated with William Shakespeare, Samuel Johnson, William Makepeace Thackeray and Charles Lamb were just some of the ‘haunts’ painted by Braddon. Braddon captured the mood of the Dickensian stories, such as the light of Pickwick and the dark undertones of Bleak House.

Entry is free for Rotorua residents with proof of residency.

Image credits:
1. Paul Braddon, Pool at Cobtree Hall [The Pickwick Papers]. Collection Dunedin Public Library.
2. Paul Braddon, Old Gables, High St., Rochester [The Seven Poor Travellers] High St, Rochester. Collection Dunedin Public Library.