The Collection

Dr Johnson’s House contains a well-stocked library of books, manuscripts, and pamphlets relating to Dr Johnson, his work, his life and his contemporaries, It includes first editions of Johnson’s Dictionary and some books that were owned by the great lexicographer and his friends. Our collection is currently being developed to focus on the history of lexicography.

Visit our online library catalogue here 

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The library is available for use by researchers who make an appointment in advance.  To do so, use this link

Our collection includes many eighteenth- and nineteenth- century prints and a collection of oil paintings. There are portraits of Johnson and his contemporaries as well as scenes from his life. Highlights are a rare surviving portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds's sister, Frances, and a 'portrait of a black manservant' (possibly that of Francis Barber, Johnson's servant) by Reynolds's student, James Northcote. The collection also contains satirical works by Hogarth and Gillray and a set of nineteenth-century topographical watercolours of the City of London and Dr Johnson’s House.

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The House's also has porcelain from the services of Mrs Thrale, James Boswell, and Sir Joshua Reynolds.

 

Pieces of Georgian furniture once owned by Johnson or his contemporaries are also featured in the House, including Johnson's desk and chair. 

 

We also hold Johnson's walking stick, letter case, and portrait medallion in our collections along with other Johnsoniana ephemera .

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