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Discover Dickens through his work, his home and the things that mattered to him most
Bonus: Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins
Jordan Evans-Hill and Emma Harper discuss the fascinating friendship between Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins.
Affairs of the Heart
Letter, from Charles Dickens to Georgina Hogarth, 29 October 1868
Collaborators?
Charles often decided to ‘tone down’ Wilkie's writing to ensure they wouldn’t offend middle-class readers.
Unfinished Works
The Mystery of Edwin Drood, 1870
Contention
There were times during Charles and Wilkie’s friendship where differing opinions on literary ideals, personal relationships, and clashing social and political views created points of contention.
Reconsidered Corrections
The Frozen Deep, annotated by Wilkie Collins, 1866
Musical Accompaniment
Overture to 'The Frozen Deep,' 1857
The Frozen Deep
Photograph of the Charles Dickens-Wilkie Collins Dramatic Company, 1857
Performers
Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins were both keen performers.
A Final Story
Incomplete draft of 'Tom Tiddler's Gound' 1861
Satellite of Jupiter
Joining the Household Words made Wilkie’s professional subordination to Charles official – ‘one of the satellites of Jupiter’, as a contemporary reviewer put it.
Collaborators
Charles Dickens often collaborated with his friend Wilkie Collins.
As Close as Family
Here Charles lies on the grass relaxing with family and friends, including Wilkie second on the left, distinguishable by his beard.
Best Friends
Charles invites Wilkie to Brighton, clearly wanting his best friend to cheer him up on his special day.
