Sherlock Holmes in 221 Objects

From the Collection of Glen S. Miranker

Feb. 13 through May 5

Since his first appearance in 1887 during the 50th year of Queen Victoria’s reign, Sherlock Holmes has been nothing short of a literary juggernaut. And the Great Detective who dazzled 19th-century readers is just as alive for their 21st-century counterparts, as evident in this traveling exhibition.

“Sherlock Holmes in 221 Objects” draws upon the preeminent collection assembled by Glen S. Miranker, rich in bibliographic rarities, manuscripts, books, correspondence, and artwork, all with fascinating stories to tell beyond their significance as literary and cultural landmarks. Named for the address of the detective’s Baker Street lodgings, the exhibition presents items that will intrigue bibliophiles, Sherlockians, and general audiences.

Highlights include leaves from “The Hound of the Baskervilles;” four short story manuscripts; original artwork by the British and American illustrators who created Sherlock’s iconic look for readers; a wealth of holograph letters from Arthur Conan Doyle to friends, colleagues, and well-wishers; a fascinating cache of pirated editions; the only known salesman’s dummy for the U.S. “Hound;” an “idea book” of Conan Doyle’s private musings in which he (in)famously penned “Killed Holmes” on his calendar for December 1893; and a handwritten speech—never before displayed—with the author’s explanation for killing Holmes:

Exhibit details

What: “Sherlock Holmes in 221 Objects”
When: Feb. 13, 2023 through May 5, 2023
Where: Elmer L. Andersen Library, main gallery
Hours: Open during building hours at Elmer L. Andersen Library
Exhibit designer: Darren Terpstra

Exhibit events

Sherlock Holmes in 221 Objects: Exhibit Opening Reception (RESCHEDULED)
Featuring remarks from Sherlockian experts Glen Miranker, curator and collector; Tim Johnson, E. W. McDiarmid Curator of the Sherlock Holmes Collections at the University of Minnesota; and Gary Thaden, President of the Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections.

March 1, 2023 | 6:30 p.m.
Elmer L. Andersen Library

Sherlock Holmes in 221 Objects: A Conversation with Collectors
Featuring the exhibit collector and curator, Glen Miranker, in conversation with Sherlockian collector, Dr. Richard Sveum.

March 16, 2023 | 7 p.m.
Elmer L. Andersen Library

Sherlock Holmes in 221 Objects: Gallery Tours
Featuring Glen Miranker and Cathy Miranker providing gallery tours, focusing on pirated editions of Sherlock Holmes and iconic Sherlockian artists.

April 20, 2023 | 6:30 p.m.
Elmer L. Andersen Library