Display Case

Sherlock Holmes Collection
on Display
May - June 2008

During the months of May and June, the Great Sherlock Holmes will be featured in the display case in the Henry County Library lobby. The memorabilia of Holmes and his faithful friend and colleague Dr. John H. Watson, are part of an extensive collection of Dr. Russell A. Mann.

Visitors will see, among other things, Holmes and Watson toy bears taking tea in their London flat, located at 221b Baker St.; Mickey Mouse and Goofy plush dolls outfitted as Holmes and Watson; Barbie's little friend Tommy dressed as "Detective Holmes" and at play on his backyard play set; a Meerschaum mahogany Calabash pipe of the sort favored by Holmes; and a Persian slipper like the one in which Holmes stored his tobacco.

Other objects include a Royal Doulton Sherlock Toby jug designed by the artist Robert Tabbenor, the Royal Doulton figure "The Detective"; British coinage from the time of Holmes, as issued by the Band of England; nesting dolls featuring Holmes, Watson and Professor Moriarty; a Holmes teapot made for the Holmes Museum in London, Holmes cuff links; and a magnifying glass hand cast in pewter by A.E. Williams, English makers of pewter since 1779.

A number of other items, including books and photographs, round out the collection on display. "We've attempted to select items of interest to all ages, from youngsters to seniors", Doctor Mann states.

In connection with the display of Holmes memorabilia, Doctor Mann is sponsoring a free drawing at the library for brand new Holmes books.

Doctor Mann grew up in Clinton and retired recently from a 50-year career in journalism and education for journalism. The Henry County Library was a favorite haunt for him as a child. "The display and accompanying drawing are by way of thanking the library for its influence and for its continuing efforts to extend the learning, the enjoyment and the well being of its many patrons," Doctor Mann states.

Sherlock Holmes is the creation of British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who wrote about the Great Detective in a series of 60 stories between 1887 and 1927. The stories have never been out of print since and have been translated into many languages. They have been adapted for stage, film and television. Dozens of actors have starred as Holmes, including William Gillette, Basil Rathbone and Jeremy Brett. A simple GOOGLE search today for Sherlock Holmes turns up nearly 10 million results. Local fan clubs are active throughout North America, Great Britain, France and Japan among other places.

Doctor Mann is a member of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London; the Northern Musgraves Sherlock Holmes Society; and the hounds of the Internet, a major discussion group that features a different story each week. His personal Homes research library includes several hundred volumes.

Come see this interesting and education display. For more information please contact the library at 660-885-2612 or toll free at 1-866-CALL HCL.

If you have a collection you would like to show in the display case, contact Marsha Evans at the Henry County Library. Most displays will occupy the case for two months.