In July during my Husband’s week off, we decided that after being cooped up for so long, it was time to venture out. We visited Lichfield, a picturesque city steeped in history. One of the places I wanted to visit most on our day out was the Dr Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum & Bookshop. Dr Samuel Johnson was one of the most famous literary figures of the 18th century. Most well-known for his Dictionary of the English Language.
Samuel Johnson by Sir Joshua Reynolds, oil on canvas, 1756-1757
© National portrait Gallery, London.
The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum & Bookshop is a
beautiful Grade I listed building in the heart of Lichfield, next to St Mary’s
Church and a stone’s throw away from Lichfield Cathedral. The house was built
for Johnson’s parents Sarah and Michael in 1708. It has been a museum since
1901. You can explore five floors, featuring period room settings. Each room
contains artworks and objects once belonging to Dr
Johnson, his family, and friends. And of course, you can see a copy of his
famous English dictionary.
The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum & Bookshop
A statue of Samuel Johnson sits opposite the museum.
In one of the rooms there is a video about Johnson’s life,
very helpful if you aren’t familiar with him. There are some stunning portraits
on display and sculptures. Some of my favourite objects though were the more
personal items, such as letters that Johnson had handwritten, his breakfast
table, his walking stick and well-worn armchair. There were also some beautiful
objects which had belonged to his wife, Elizabeth, whom he
affectionately called Tetty.
Tetty’s bowl that Johnson used after her death to eat his
breakfast roll from.
Tetty’s wedding ring.
Johnson’s father was a bookseller and ran a bookshop on the ground floor, I love how the museum still has a bookshop here. They also sell some lovely, well-priced gifts. I could have happily bought the lot. I came away with 4 postcards, but next time I plan on spending a small fortune!
Portraits of Tetty and Samuel.
We had a fantastic time, it was so lovely to
go and do something normal after the horrors of the past year and a half.
Having not been to a museum in so long made me appreciate it all the more!
Unfortunately, we had to cut our visit to Lichfield short as my back pain
flared up. But I will definitely be going back soon!
I am very happy to write a separate blog post about Johnson’s life if you would like one? He was a fascinating person and I could happily talk about him for hours! I highly recommend reading 'Life of Johnson' by James Boswell. If you would like to learn more about him, The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum has a great blog packed full of information about his life too. HERE
Samuels armchair.
Info:
Easy to get too.
Free Entry (Donations welcome)
Bookshop and Gifts.
Perfect day out if you have children, lots of activities and dressing up fun.
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