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05 August 2025

Charles Dickens manuscript of Great Expectations to go out to Far East on loan from Wisbech & Fenland Museum

One of the greatest treasures in the Wisbech & Fenland Museum – Charles Dickens’ original manuscript of Great Expectations – has been loaned to the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibition to be held in Busan, South Korea and in Shanghai, China.

The exhibition, called Writers Revealed, marries manuscripts including letters and first editions alongside the author's portrait from the National Portrait Gallery.

On August 3 Writers Revealed finished showing at its first international venue, the new Home of the Arts gallery in Queensland, Australia, featuring contemporary portraits and writings of authors including William Shakespeare, Jane Austen and TS Eliot.

Next stop South Korea, then Shanghai, where there is a large and growing interest in English literature.

The manuscript will be away from Wisbech for ten months and Steve McGregor, Chair of Wisbech and Fenland Museum, said: “The inclusion of Great Expectations in this important international exhibition, once again highlights the breadth and significance of the collections here and the manuscript will be brought to a new audience.

“The book will be away for ten months but given the importance of the exhibition we are very pleased to support it and being able to participate is for the long-term good and standing of our museum.”