The Portsmouth Library is home to the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection, largely made possible by the bequest of Richard Lancelyn Green. This world-renowned collection, the work of one of the foremost Doylean scholars, is a treasure trove for researchers, enthusiasts, and the public. The Collection preserves books, manuscripts, artifacts, and ephemera that illuminate Conan Doyle's life, his beloved Sherlock Holmes, and the cultural impact of his work.
Laura Weston is the Education and Learning Officer for the Collection at the Portsmouth City Council, making the collection accessible and engaging to a global audience. Laura joins us to discuss the annual Worldwide Doyle conference, a series of virtual talks by writers, fans, and academics who are passionate about Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes. The program is taking place in June and July; all events take place at 7:00 pm BST and are free of charge, and will be available online.
How does a city like Portsmouth turn a literary archive into a global attraction — and why does it matter? What behind-the-scenes choices shape the talks and exhibits that bring Sherlock Holmes to life for new audiences? Laura discusses all of this, including the unexpected item in the Collection that made even its curator stop and say, “I didn’t see that coming.”
So you can see what’s coming, we share the full calendar of July in “The Learned Societies” segment. Madeline Quinones is back with “A Chance of Listening,” and the Canonical Couplet quiz tests your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with something from the vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock.com by June 29, 2025 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play.
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