A dress created using pages from vintage editions of Dickens’ Great Expectations is to go on display at Portsmouth Natural History Museum.
‘The Dress of Great Expectations’ opens on Charles Dickens’ birthday, 7 February. The interactive project has been created by Southsea artist Roo Abrook, who said:
“The Dress of Great Expectations is an interactive art installation that explores rejection and resilience inspired by Miss Havisham from Dickens’ famous novel.
“This has been a deeply rewarding project, exploring how rejection shapes resilience while working closely with community support groups and collaborating with local poets and artists.”
Roo and local poet Han Newton from Pompey Poetry Party collaborated with local community female support groups Project W and St James’s Society, who support people in substance recovery. Their voices have been recorded into painted card butterflies which visitors can hear as part of the exhibition.
The installation features Miss Havisham’s wedding dress, re-worked using pages from vintage editions of Great Expectations, alongside gloves, slippers, and other accessories. Her wedding bouquet and flowers have been created by Sally Biloshiskaya of Petal and Pchelka.
An additional interactive installation by Thomas Buckley and Play Office invites the public to share words reflecting on rejection and resilience. Local emerging artist Emelie-Jane Martin-Rivers has created her own response to the project.
Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said:
“This striking work of art and interactive display is truly unique and a fitting way to celebrate Dickens and connect his famous work with voices from our city today.”
The project is a part of ‘In Our Words’ literacy and literature programming by Portsmouth Creates and has been awarded funding by Arts Council England.
The Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum will also host the author’s birthday on 7 February, offering free entry for all visitors and readings performed by costumed actors.
For more information on the dress and Charles Dickens’ Birthplace visit www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk