Dickens’ Final Collar and Personal Items on Display

London's Charles Dickens Museum has acquired and put on permanent display the shirt collar worn by Charles Dickens when he suffered his fatal stroke on June 8, 1870, at the age of 58. This deeply yellowed, detachable linen collar, now framed, will be a central feature in a new exhibit at the house museum on Doughty Street, joining a collection of other personal items in Dickens' former dressing room. The acquisition of this “death collar” provides a tangible and poignant link to the author's sudden passing, which shocked the world at the time.

Originally purchased by actor Bransby Williams, known for his Dickensian portrayals, the collar later entered a private collection before its acquisition by the museum. Its display is seen as a significant addition, anticipated to become one of London's “most morbidly curious museum items,” drawing comparisons to Nelson's blood-stained coat at the National Maritime Museum.

The exhibit also showcases other intimate belongings that offer a glimpse into Dickens' daily life and personal style. These include a pair of black silk stockings, part of his only surviving suit, which he wore to a formal reception at St James’s Palace in the year of his death, wryly describing the outfit as ‘fancy dress'. Furthermore, the collection features several grooming items, such as six silver razors – highlighting that despite his famous beard, Dickens shaved daily – a perfume bottle, silver candle snuffers, and a gold locket containing hair from himself and his son, Henry. The permanent display of these artifacts enriches the museum's ability to tell the story of one of literature's greatest minds, offering visitors a profound connection to his personal world and final moments.

(Source: https://londonist.com/london/museums-and-galleries/charles-dickens-shirt-collar-death-stroke)