‹‹ L’inimitable Charles Dickens ›› exhibition

The exhibition on the “inimitable” Dickens at the Château d’Hardelot focused on the author’s personality, career and work. The English novelist was particularly fond of the region, and would take refuge there to write. The museum circuit staged hitherto unseen heritage works and was aimed at families and school groups as well as the initiated.

The stage design contrasted two spaces with two atmospheric reconstructions. The large central room featured a phantasmagorical setting beneath its dome with overhead lighting, evoking the famous English fog. An ambulatory décor unfolded in this misty imaginary world: suspended frames made of global, translucent materials created an effect of levitation, where the portraits of fictional characters were superimposed on the visitors’ silhouettes.

In contrast, the château’s narrow rooms took the form of London basements. The architectural constraints then became a medium for the narrative, evoking the dark little streets of the city. This   shadowy space echoed the realm of literary exploration. The original manuscripts were exhibited in openwork showcases, where the scenery and lighting created a protective setting with a dark, interior atmosphere.