The author’s great, great grandson will be visiting the borough to mark Dickens’ 200th birthday.
Charles Dickens’ great, great grandson is set to visit Wandsworth to celebrate the author’s 200th birthday.
Throughout April a series of special events are scheduled in libraries across the borough to pay tribute to the life of the literary great to mark his bicentenary.
One of the highlights of the month-long celebration will be a light-hearted look at the character and life of Charles Dickens by his great, great grandson Gerald Dickens.
The actor, director and producer will perform readings at Roehampton University from Charles Dickens diaries, novels and observations in an event called Mr Dickens is coming! on 27th April.
Starting on 3rd April a series of free library events will begin with a magic lantern show – a 350-year-old form of entertainment that Dickens loved – at Balham Library Hall.
Libraries across the borough will be offering themed book displays, talking books and DVDs which will all link the novels with the social and political themes of Dickens’ work.
There will also be a series of talks given by Roehampton University lecturers, an art exhibition and events and displays for children at libraries throughout the borough.
Library users can also download a Dickens book, or other classic titles by visiting www.wandsworth.gov.uk.
Wandsworth Council has organized the events, in partnership with Roehampton University and Cityread London.
Cityread London is urging Londoners to engage with Dickens and their local libraries by reading Oliver Twist.
For more information visit www.cityreadlondon.org.uk
