Opening of ACD Research Room in Portsmouth

I received the following from the good folks in Portsmouth. I'm very pleased to share this news.

*****
It's the opening of the Arthur Conan Doyle Research Room, my dear Watson

Whether it's an original Sherlock Holmes manuscript, a poster advertising a Sherlock Holmes play at Richmond Hippodrome in 1912 or even a Sherlock Holmes pipe, sleuths can now explore one of the finest collections relating to Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes in the world.

The Arthur Conan Doyle Collection, Richard Lancelyn Green Bequest was donated to Portsmouth by the writer and collector Richard Lancelyn Green's family following his death in 2004.

A leading Sherlock Holmes specialist and Arthur Conan Doyle Scholar, Richard Lancelyn Green's collection spans over 40,000 items, archives and artefacts relating to Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes, collected over 40 years.

The Arthur Conan Doyle Research Room will give students and fans easier access to books, pictures, letters and other other treasures.

Located at the central library, the room was officially opened today (21 February) by author Andrew Lycett.

Cllr Lee Hunt, member for culture, leisure and sport said: "The Arthur Conan Doyle research room is a fitting venue to explore one of the finest collections relating to Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes in the world."

"It's a fantastic resource for schools, colleges and local universities covering many different aspects of the curriculum.

We hope the room will contribute to the development of the central library as a Portsmouth literary centre that celebrate the literary wealth of Portsmouth."

For more information contact Fiona-Jane Brown, Conan Doyle projects officer on 023 9283 4727.

*****

The following events are planned to mark the opening of the new Arthur Conan Doyle Research Room

Monday 21 February
11am - Official opening
2pm – Talk on the birth of Sherlock Holmes by Tony Pointon

Tuesday 22 February
All day – Cryptic crossword workshop with Tim Moorey

Wednesday 23 February
7.30pm – Decoding Sherlock

Thursday 24 February
2pm – Turning the tables by Paul Cissell
7.30pm – Turning the tables: the secrets of Victorian mediumship revealed

Friday 25 February
All day – Code breaking, the war time enigma with Bletchley Park Museum

Saturday 26 February
7.30pm – Sherlock Holmes film night