ArticleSherlock Holmes

While the Rock Circus looks completely in place in London, and Marie Tussaud's first permanent exhibition took next to no time to become that city's "number one attraction", both museums can be easily imagined elsewhere. As opposed, another - and much less conspicuous - attraction would feel completely out of place not only anywhere outside of the capital of England, but also at any other physical address in it. The official Sherlock Holmes museum is by definition inseparable from 221b Baker-Street, London, England.

Friendly museum attendants are quick to explain that Sherlock Holmes was a literary character, not a real person - and he didn't even have a prototype. Being but a character, Holmes had to share the apartment with his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who had a stint as a renter there. All the museum exhibits are genuine items dating back to Doyle's own time - many of them coming from the remotest villages visited by Holmes enthusiasts who had for years criss-crossed the country in search of such items necessary to recreate the aura and spirit of the time. Somehow, the more the attendants are trying to demystify the place, the more magical it becomes! In fact, the guardian spirit of the place's magic appears right on cue - just as a well-trained gateman in a bright uniform smiles at you: “14 shill... I am sorry, pounds, Sir!”

From there on, it's all about the power of the visitors' imagination. Holmes' violin and pipe, Watson's hat and roomy bag - those and similar items are so recognizable that it's really hard to resist the temptation to use them right away. So, Holmes after Holmes would appear in the cozy room as the guests keep donning the hat, making themselves comfortable in the armchair, putting the pipe in their mouth (for that very purpose, the pipe is equipped with disposable mouthpieces), and propping the violin against their chin. All the while, the glowing fireplace would smile at them and send forth its flames to lick at their shadows...