Adventures with Sherlock Holmes
Illustration for “The Bruce Partington Plans,” 1908
Frederic Dorr Steele (1873-1944)
1908
Graphite Sketch
This graphite sketch of Dr. Watson about to head out on an adventure with Holmes appeared in Collier’s Magazine v.42, no.12, Dec. 12, 1908. He is seen following Holmes’s orders to “Bring with you a jimmy, a dark lantern, a chisel, and a revolver.” The inscription reads, “It was a nice equipment for a respectable citizen.”
TD Gallery,
Toronto Reference Library
January 5 to March 10, 2013
“There is nothing like first-hand evidence.”
—Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes first appeared on the scene in “A Study in Scarlet,” which was published in Beeton’s Christmas Annual of 1887. One hundred and twenty-five years later, he is still going strong as the subject of books, movies, television shows and more. Everyone knows Sherlock Holmes—or do we? Holmes is a character of many faces. He exists not only as conceived by his creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but also in the countless variations devised by other writers, actors, artists, and fans. Which of these is faithful to the timeless spirit of this enduring literary character, and which perhaps goes a little too far? We invite you to enter the gallery, get to know Holmes better, and decide for yourself. Rare and unusual books, manuscripts, artwork and more from the Toronto Public Library's Arthur Conan Doyle Collection will take you on your own adventure into the mysterious world of Sherlock Holmes. Come, the game is afoot!
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Illustration for "The Valley of Fear." 1914
Frank Wiley
1914
Illustration of Sherlock Holmes for "The Valley of Fear." From The Strand Magazine, September, 1914.