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The Sign of Six
The Arthur Conan Doyle Collection, bequeathed to the city of Portsmouth by Richard Lancelyn Green, brings together an unparalleled variety of books, documents and objects connected to Holmes and the life of his creator. An archive research centre is available in the city's Central Library which allows access to Richard's amazing collection. At Portsmouth City Museum there are many extraordinary items from the Collection in the exhibition ‘A Study in Sherlock’, including unique photographs, film posters, and letters from the influential and the famous.
To celebrate the fact that Portsmouth is the birthplace of Sherlock and to promote the Collection - the largest public collection in the world of Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes materials - we hosted six immersive theatre productions in six areas of Portsmouth over six days. Each 5 minute event was filmed and can now be viewed again here.
Sign of Six films
Embark on a journey with Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick Dr Watson, as they take a tour of Portsmouth, solving mysteries as they go.
Sherlock's second case takes him to the Commercial Road fountain - can he solve the mystery in time?
Sherlock is in Fratton for this, his third mystery. What awaits him at the home of Portsmouth FC?
Arthur Conan Doyle was famously spiritual - even though his detective promotes rationality. What awaits the plucky duo at mystery number four?
The consulting detective's travels have taken him to Cosham, where a brand new mystery awaits.
Sherlock Holmes is now in Southsea (the home of his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle), for the final instalment of The Sign of Six.
Explore the collection
The George Edalji Case
Arthur Conan Doyle investigated the case of the threatening letters which George Edalji was…
Letter from Arthur Conan Doyle to his son, Adrian
This short letter, from around 1926, provides a revealing insight into Conan Doyle’s indulgent…
Illustration of the plateau from the Lost World
The plateau from the stony plain on the north-east. A photograph, purportedly by E D Malone, from…
Photo Arthur Conan Doyle enjoying a game of tennis
Tennis was one of the many sports Conan Doyle enjoyed participating in. (May 2015)
Photograph of Arthur Conan Doyle crossing the Gemmi Pass with a Swiss guide
Mountaineering was one of the many activities Conan Doyle sampled in Switzerland
The Death of 'Touie'
Throughout the month of August, we remember Louisa Hawkins (August, 2018)
Photo of Arthur Conan Doyle with Captain William Longstaff
Arthur Conan Doyle with Captain William Longstaff who is adding detail to his painting, The Eternal…
Illustration from the Strand Magazine
An illustration by Harry Rountree for The Strand Magazine.
Photo of Wallace Beery as Professor Challenger
Taken from the 1925 production of the Lost World.
Photo of the Display stand at the Fratton Community Centre
Exhibition case featuring objects and documents from the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection.
Photograph of Dennis riding a camel
Photo of Conan Doyle's son, Denis, on a camel in Egypt.
Photo of Riversdale, Kent Road, Southsea
'Riversdale' is the former home of Dr John Ward Cousins, a friend and colleague of Sir Arthur Conan…
Photograph of Conan Doyle playing cricket at sea
An unusual pitch for a game of cricket - on board RMS Dunottar Castle
Remembering Doyle
Throughout the month of July, we remember the late Arthur Conan Doyle. (July, 2018)
Photo of a contemporary version The Cottingley Fairies
One of 5 new fairy photographs by the Beneficial Foundation
Photograph of Conan Doyle riding his horse, Brigadier
Conan Doyle enjoyed a wide variety of outdoor pursuits and activities, and became a member of his…
Creating the Ogroshor quilt
Images of 'Moving Forward', a Bengali women's group creating the Ogroshor quilt of a copper beech,

- 1The George Edalji Case
- 2Letter from Arthur Conan Doyle to his son, Adrian
- 3Illustration of the plateau from the Lost World
- 4Photo Arthur Conan Doyle enjoying a game of tennis
- 5Photograph of Arthur Conan Doyle crossing the Gemmi Pass with a Swiss guide
- 6The Death of 'Touie'
- 7Photo of Arthur Conan Doyle with Captain William Longstaff
- 8Illustration from the Strand Magazine
- 9Photo of Wallace Beery as Professor Challenger
- 10Photo of the Display stand at the Fratton Community Centre
- 11Photograph of Dennis riding a camel
- 12Photo of Riversdale, Kent Road, Southsea
- 13Photograph of Conan Doyle playing cricket at sea
- 14Remembering Doyle
- 15Photo of a contemporary version The Cottingley Fairies
- 16Statue of a young Jeremy Brett
- 17Photograph of Conan Doyle riding his horse, Brigadier
- 18Creating the Ogroshor quilt
