Charles Dickens Museum Exhibition Explores Women in Author's Life
The Charles Dickens Museum in London is presenting 'Extra/Ordinary Women,' an exhibition examining the lives of women connected to Charles Dickens, including his wife Catherine, sister-in-law Georgina Hogarth, daughters Mamie and Katey, and actress Ellen Ternan. Running from February until September 6, 2026, the show reveals how these women navigated Victorian societal constraints and later managed Dickens's legacy. It features personal letters, photographs, and artifacts, highlighting their complex roles and the impact of living within the author's orbit. The exhibition aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of Dickens's personal world and the women who influenced it.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Extra/Ordinary Women' runs at Charles Dickens Museum until September 6, 2026
- Focuses on Dickens's wife, sister-in-law, daughters, and lover Ellen Ternan
- Features previously unseen portraits and letters, including correspondence with Pauline Viardot
Entities
Artists
- Charles Dickens
- Ellen Ternan
- Pauline Viardot
- Katey Dickens
- John Everett Millais
Institutions
- Charles Dickens Museum
Locations
- London