I enjoyed hearing about Swati's visit to 221b. For several years I lived on
Portland Place, about a kilometre from 221b and passed it every day on my
way to Regent's Park on my walk. Many times visitors to London were staring
around looking for the entrance which isn't especially easy to see,
particularly in the afternoon shadows. I wonder whether the society should
try to create its own 221b, in Mumbai, for example, with a shop etc, and a
way for people to buy souvenirs on line.

-----Original Message-----
From: SherlockHolmesSocietyofIndia@...
[mailto:SherlockHolmesSocietyofIndia@...] On Behalf Of swati
goswami
Sent: 08 September 2005 05:53
To: SherlockHolmesSocietyofIndia@...
Subject: Re: [sherlock holmes society of india] On the Chat Session

Dear All,

I was fortunate enough to visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum in London early
this year.Its really a touching experience to be in those premises. The
address, 221B, Baker Street has been maintained as the official Sherlock
Holmes Residence.Once u enter it there is a coat and a hat stand on the left
with a macintosh and a top hat gracefully adorning it.

There are exactly 17 steps leading up to the famouse rooms.Once u ascend
these stairs, "That sordid yet oddly romantic atmosphere of smoke, dreams
and danger!" overtakes u.The parlour had a live fire burning with SH's
chemistry table in a corner and a newspaper stand in the other (All dailies
were dated 1882 etc.) There was Dr. Watson's table with various medical
equipments on it. The old Victorian sofa had a man disguised as Dr.Watson
seated on it.He showed us around and pointed at the bullet marks on the wall
which Sherlock Holmes had fired in an idle moment one day. Above the fire
there was a persian shoe on the mantle, which Holmes used as an ash tray and
the picture of a lady which the disguised Watson claimed was ,"Irene Adler".

The adjoining room to the parlour was that of Holmes. It had a deerstalker
and a few books lined up on the study table. These books were really
delicate and yellow with age. A magnifying glass and a little box of various
wigs and disguises was kept in a corner.

The entire atmosphere was just what ACD had wanted.

As we moved another small flight of stairs up we came to Dr. Watson's
room.It had various medical books on the study table and a diary which was
the log maintained by Watson of all the cases.

I can write so much more but can go on forever.If u all find my input
intersting then i will write more details in my next post.

I surely picked up a few Holmes memorabilia from the adjoining museum shop
downstairs.

I have a few pictures which i clicked there.Will try to post them.

love
Swati*

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




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