Charles Dickens: Unpublished letters give 'insight' into author's life

The letters were written by a close friend of Charles Dickens

Some 120 previously unpublished letters that give "insight into the life and character" of author Charles Dickens are going on display at a museum.

The Charles Dickens Museum in Bloomsbury, central London, acquired the letters for £6,048 from a private collection at an auction.

They are written by Georgina Hogarth who was Dickens's sister-in-law, housekeeper and friend.

The museum said the letters would "enhance" its existing collections.

Georgina Hogarth had moved into Dickens's family home with her sister Catherine, who was Dickens's wife.

Ms Hogarth continued to live with Dickens after he separated from her sister, according to historians.

The letters were written to Charles Kent, an English poet, biographer and journalist from 1867 until 1898.

Emma Harper, curator at the museum, said Ms Hogarth was a "major figure" in Dickens's life and remained a "fascinating character".

"Despite witnessing at close quarters, the controversial and often spiteful breakdown of her sister Catherine's marriage, she remained close to Charles, continued to live for many years as his housekeeper and was greatly affected by his death," she said.

"As well as being a rich source of information and insight into the life and character of Charles Dickens, the acquisition will allow us to build a fuller picture of Georgina, one of the women who supported, enabled, encouraged and advocated for his life and work."

Georgina Hogwarth was Charles Dickens' sister-in-law, housekeeper and friend

Cindy Sughrue, director of the Charles Dickens Museum, said: "These unpublished letters will enhance our existing collections relating to Georgina Hogarth and Charles Kent and allow us to illuminate Georgina's role and her impact, in her own words."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]