The Library runs free exhibition seasons throughout the year. Find details of current and previous exhibitions and explore our digital exhibitions.
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Labour and Learning
In this section are displayed some of Charles Dickens’s most popular works depicting child labour and education, alongside items showing the growth of campaigns against child labour and for increased education for all children.
The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby: Edited by Charles Dickens (“Boz”) with illustrations by Hablot Knight Browne (“Phiz”) London. Chapman and Hall, 1838-1839
Report to the Secretary of State for the Home Department, from the Poor Law Commissioners, on the Training of Pauper Children. Great Britain. Poor Law Commissioners. London: Printed by W. Clowes for H.M.S.O, 1841
A System for the Education of the Young. Samuel Wilderspin London: Hodson, 1840
A Tract on Twigs, and on the Best Way to Bend Them: William Penney Edinburgh; Edmonston and Douglas, 1867
The Ragged School Union Magazine: 1870-71
The Schools for the People: George C. T. Bartley London: Bell and Dadly, 1871
Child Characters from Dickens: L.L. Weedon; illustrations by Arthur A. Dixon London: Ernest Nister, c.1909
A Narrative of the Experience and Sufferings of William Dodd, a Factory Cripple: William Dodd London; L. and G. Seeley, 1841
Shoe-blacks and Broomers: John M.A. Macgregor London, 1852
Street Life in London: John Thomson, F.R.G.S., and Adolphe Smith London; Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, 1877
Bleak House. Charles Dickens; with illustrations by Hablot Knight Browne London: Bradbury and Evans, 1853