Larne set to host unique Charles Dickens exhibit

Larne Museum and Arts centre is to host Dickens 2012, an international exhibition celebrating the life and work of the famous author to mark the bicentenary of his birth, which falls on February 7, 2012.

This will be the only Northern Ireland venue for this worldwide touring exhibition which will run from Monday, January 16 until Wednesday, February 29 and promises to deliver a feast of treats for fans of this internationally significant author.

Commenting on the prestigious event Linda McCullough, director of development for Larne Borough Council said: “The council is delighted to be hosting this unique and fascinating exhibition and is looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over Northern Ireland and beyond to see at first hand the many interesting artefacts.

“On behalf of the council I would like to thank Dr Leon Litvack the festival director of Dickens 2012 NI for making this possible for the Museum and Arts Centre in Larne”.

Dr Litvack who is also Reader in Victorian Studies at Queen’s University Belfast said: “We are very pleased that the Dickens NI 2012 celebrations are taking place at Larne’s Museum and Arts Centre.

“Among the artefacts we will be exhibiting are some first edition copies of Dickens’ work. There will also be some auditory and visual Dickens treats for all to enjoy. Although a writer from the Victorian era, Dickens’s work transcends his time, language and culture. He remains a massive contemporary influence throughout the world and his writings continue to inspire film, TV, art, literature, artists and academia”.

Larne Museum and Arts Centre will also be holding a Dickens family fun day on Saturday, January 28 where it is hoped the next generation of children will begin to learn about this fascinating character and his amazing works.

There will be art sessions held on the family day and children will be encouraged to come along dressed as a famous character from a Dickens classic, with a prize for the best costume. There will be a charge of £2 per child (parents go free) to the art sessions. It is anticipated they will be very popular so parents are encouraged to book their children in quickly to avoid disappointment.

Institutions and organisations from all over the world are partners of Dickens 2012 and work together to deliver a programme of events and activities to commemorate this very special anniversary. Dickens 2012 sees a rich and diverse programme of events taking place in the run up and throughout the whole of 2012.

For more information on any of the above or to book your place on the family fun day please contact the Museum and Arts Centre on 028 2827 9482.