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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
Photograph of Arthur Conan Doyle and a hot air balloon
Conan Doyle helping to prepare the 'City of York' hot air balloon for flight
Arthur Conan Doyle standing by Innes Conan Doyle's grave
Image of Arthur Conan Doyle standing by Innes Conan Doyle's grave (February 2016)
Black and white still from The Lost World
A reproduction photograph showing a man in conversation with a woman
Photograph of the Summer Activities Exhibition contents
Details of the exhibition stand in the Central Library
Elsie being offered a posy
Image of Elsie Wright being offered a posy of harebells by a fairy - the fourth photograph in the…
Showgirl Disguise from To Catch a Thief workshop
A glamorous Las Vegas showgirl is intent on catching a casino embezzler.
Photo of Arthur Conan Doyle unveiling memorial tablet
Photograph of Arthur Conan Doyle unveiling the memorial tablet to Henry Fielding at Widcombe Lodge…
Creating the Ogroshor quilt
Images of 'Moving Forward', a Bengali women's group creating the Ogroshor quilt of a copper beech,
Photograph of Study for Sherlock Exhibition Stand
Photo of the stand for the Study for Sherlock Exhibition featuring items from the Arthur Conan…
Kingsley Conan Doyle
Throughout the month of October, we remember Kingsley Conan Doyle. (October, 2018)
Photo of Riversdale, Kent Road, Southsea
'Riversdale' is the former home of Dr John Ward Cousins, a friend and colleague of Sir Arthur Conan…
Adrian Conan Doyle and his wife Anna
Adrian Conan Doyle and his wife Anna sitting in the Sherlock Holmes room with a pipe and…
Photo of William Gillette (1853 – 1937)
The first actor to play Sherlock Holmes on stage (February 2012)
Photograph of Arthur Conan Doyle playing billiards
Conan Doyle competed in the Billiard Association Amateur Championships, February 1913.(November…
Arthur Conan Doyle with Major Guggisberg and Mr St Quentin
Arthur Conan Doyle with Major Guggisberg and Mr St Quentin near Windlesham with the 'auto-wheel'…
Photo of Arthur Conan Doyle in civilian dress watching a display of rifle shooting
Photograph of Arthur Conan Doyle in civilian dress watching a display of rifle shooting some time…
Letter from Arthur Conan Doyle to his son, Adrian
This short letter, from around 1926, provides a revealing insight into Conan Doyle’s indulgent…

- 1Photograph of Arthur Conan Doyle and a hot air balloon
- 2Arthur Conan Doyle standing by Innes Conan Doyle's grave
- 3Black and white still from The Lost World
- 4Photograph of the Summer Activities Exhibition contents
- 5Elsie being offered a posy
- 6Showgirl Disguise from To Catch a Thief workshop
- 7Photo of Arthur Conan Doyle unveiling memorial tablet
- 8Creating the Ogroshor quilt
- 9Photograph of Study for Sherlock Exhibition Stand
- 10Kingsley Conan Doyle
- 11Photo of Riversdale, Kent Road, Southsea
- 12Adrian Conan Doyle and his wife Anna
- 13Photo of William Gillette (1853 – 1937)
- 14Baker Street Post Box Insert
- 15Photograph of Arthur Conan Doyle playing billiards
- 16Arthur Conan Doyle with Major Guggisberg and Mr St Quentin
- 17Photo of Arthur Conan Doyle in civilian dress watching a display of rifle shooting
- 18Letter from Arthur Conan Doyle to his son, Adrian
