Adventures with Sherlock Holmes
About the Exhibit
125 years after Sherlock Holmes first appeared in print, he is still going strong as the subject of books, movies, television shows and more. The exhibition “Adventures with Sherlock Holmes” will take visitors on their own journey into the mysterious world of the Great Detective, uncovering fascinating details about this truly enduring literary character. Rare and unusual books, manuscripts, artwork and much more will be on view from the exceptional holdings of the Toronto Public Library’s Arthur Conan Doyle Collection.
Join us—the game is afoot!

Exhibit Highlights:
- Rare books and first editions including the first introduction of Sherlock Holmes to the reading public.
- Vintage magazines and manuscript materials showing the long relationship between Holmes’ author and The Strand Magazine.
- Manuscript letters and writings by Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, including both materials related to Holmes and personal items that show the man behind the famous character.
- A portrait gallery of images of Holmes and his associates as they have been interpreted by a wide variety of artists as well as a “rogue’s gallery” of items depicting Holmes’ famous foes Moriarty and the Hound of the Baskervilles.
- Illustrations by Sidney Paget, Frederick Dorr Steele and others responsible for shaping Holmes’ visual identity.
- A set of one-of-a-kind stained glass windows depicting scenes from 221B Baker Street.
- Posters and stills depicting the Holmes character’s appearances in film and theatre.
- Parodies and pastiches of the Holmes stories from the 19th century to today, including many intriguing examples of how early imitators and modern authors have made use of Conan Doyle’s detective.

