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More Friends of Undershaw
Prominent Sherlockians and Mystery Writers Add Their Support to The Undershaw Preservation Trust
Laurie R. King
Photo: Red Bat Photography
"Place has a huge influence on a writer. It is deeply disturbing to hear that a house so essential to the work of one of Britain’s most influential writers lies under threat, first of abandonment, then of conversion and inundation by modern homes.
"Undershaw embodies the boundless creativity and energy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a man interested in everything from skiing to architecture, social justice to military theory. One need only look at the walls and windows of this extraordinary house to see what it meant to Conan Doyle. Undershaw brought together all the wide-flung aspects of his life: its lines embody the security that was so necessary to the man; its broad windows illustrate his concern for the health of his beloved wife; its grounds might have been laid out for the benefit of his children. At the same time, it was designed as a place for this man, who had begun his writer’s life scribbling in his surgery between patients, to let his imagination flower. It was a house of great solidity and pleasure, where he might be proud to welcome friends both literary and personal. It was also house of considerable curiosity, whose details encouraged him to experiment with ideas—again, both literary and personal.
"As a writer myself, I find it no coincidence that several of Conan Doyle’s greatest works were written at Undershaw. It was a house of inspiration—both inspired by his ideas of life, and itself inspiring further feats of imagination. He had only to think of its Anglo-Saxon name to envision the historical world so vital to him as a writer. He had only to raise his eyes to see the world his mind had shaped.
"The work Sir Arthur Conan Doyle did at Undershaw changed the face of the world’s literature. It would bewilder, and sadden, future generations, were we to permit its loss. I ask you please, to assist with the preservation of the house Undershaw."--Laurie R. King, BSI, author of the Mary Russell series www.laurierking.com/
"Undershaw embodies the boundless creativity and energy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a man interested in everything from skiing to architecture, social justice to military theory. One need only look at the walls and windows of this extraordinary house to see what it meant to Conan Doyle. Undershaw brought together all the wide-flung aspects of his life: its lines embody the security that was so necessary to the man; its broad windows illustrate his concern for the health of his beloved wife; its grounds might have been laid out for the benefit of his children. At the same time, it was designed as a place for this man, who had begun his writer’s life scribbling in his surgery between patients, to let his imagination flower. It was a house of great solidity and pleasure, where he might be proud to welcome friends both literary and personal. It was also house of considerable curiosity, whose details encouraged him to experiment with ideas—again, both literary and personal.
"As a writer myself, I find it no coincidence that several of Conan Doyle’s greatest works were written at Undershaw. It was a house of inspiration—both inspired by his ideas of life, and itself inspiring further feats of imagination. He had only to think of its Anglo-Saxon name to envision the historical world so vital to him as a writer. He had only to raise his eyes to see the world his mind had shaped.
"The work Sir Arthur Conan Doyle did at Undershaw changed the face of the world’s literature. It would bewilder, and sadden, future generations, were we to permit its loss. I ask you please, to assist with the preservation of the house Undershaw."--Laurie R. King, BSI, author of the Mary Russell series www.laurierking.com/
Leslie S. Klinger
"Conan Doyle, though remembered today only for creating Sherlock Holmes, is one of the greatest writers of the 19th and 20th century. Please join us in preserving his heritage, so that future generations may see where genius worked and lived!"--Leslie S. Klinger, BSI, Editor, The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes
"Conan Doyle, though remembered today only for creating Sherlock Holmes, is one of the greatest writers of the 19th and 20th century. Please join us in preserving his heritage, so that future generations may see where genius worked and lived!"--Leslie S. Klinger, BSI, Editor, The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes
Evelyn Herzog
"The Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes honor the life and writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and support the efforts to preserve his home, Undershaw. It will be a great benefit to Doyle admirers of all ages in future years to view this building so dear to him and to understand better the course of his personal history and career." Evelyn Herzog, ASH, BSI, The Principle Unprincipled Adventuress, founder of The Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes
"The Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes honor the life and writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and support the efforts to preserve his home, Undershaw. It will be a great benefit to Doyle admirers of all ages in future years to view this building so dear to him and to understand better the course of his personal history and career." Evelyn Herzog, ASH, BSI, The Principle Unprincipled Adventuress, founder of The Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes
Scott Monty
"Greetings from the blogosphere! We're so lucky to have such an organization that is making the world aware of the plight of Undershaw. We realize that this has been a long and arduous journey and we're glad to see the world beginning to take notice of these efforts.
"We at the Baker Street Blog (and the Sherlock Holmes Social Network and I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere) are honoured to be part of the army who are putting your message forth and using the power of the social web to be able to spread the word. We will continue to be involved and welcome any ideas or suggestions you may have to make the process more effective.
"We wish you all the best in the continued efforts and look forward to further collaboration."--Scott Monty, BSI, General Editor www.bakerstreetblog.com/
"Greetings from the blogosphere! We're so lucky to have such an organization that is making the world aware of the plight of Undershaw. We realize that this has been a long and arduous journey and we're glad to see the world beginning to take notice of these efforts.
"We at the Baker Street Blog (and the Sherlock Holmes Social Network and I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere) are honoured to be part of the army who are putting your message forth and using the power of the social web to be able to spread the word. We will continue to be involved and welcome any ideas or suggestions you may have to make the process more effective.
"We wish you all the best in the continued efforts and look forward to further collaboration."--Scott Monty, BSI, General Editor www.bakerstreetblog.com/
Mike Whelan
"Best wishes and good luck with the City Council's decision."--Mike Whelan, "Wiggins," Leader of The Baker Street Irregulars
"Best wishes and good luck with the City Council's decision."--Mike Whelan, "Wiggins," Leader of The Baker Street Irregulars
Steven Doyle
"Greetings and best wishes to the Undershaw Preservation Trust. Here in America, we live in perpetual envy of your access to locations with direct, historic ties to Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes. Thus it is a grief to us when such an important one is threatened. Hang on, good luck, and know there are many here who support you."--Steven Doyle, BSI, Wessex Press; Sherlock Holmes for Dummies; Publisher, The Baker Street Journal www.bakerstreetjournal.com/
"Greetings and best wishes to the Undershaw Preservation Trust. Here in America, we live in perpetual envy of your access to locations with direct, historic ties to Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes. Thus it is a grief to us when such an important one is threatened. Hang on, good luck, and know there are many here who support you."--Steven Doyle, BSI, Wessex Press; Sherlock Holmes for Dummies; Publisher, The Baker Street Journal www.bakerstreetjournal.com/
Jan Burke
"Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's work has been long-lasting and internationally esteemed, and has had an impact even beyond its unquestionable value as literature. As new generations discover Sherlock Holmes, they will continue to desire to visit places significant in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's life and work. Such places inspire and teach and stand as examples of what we choose to recognize as important. Undershaw is a treasure that once lost, cannot be regained. It is worth every effort made to preserve it. Let history show we had the foresight to care for it, not that we chose to disregard all it is and all it symbolizes." --Jan Burke, American mystery writer www.janburke.com
"Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's work has been long-lasting and internationally esteemed, and has had an impact even beyond its unquestionable value as literature. As new generations discover Sherlock Holmes, they will continue to desire to visit places significant in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's life and work. Such places inspire and teach and stand as examples of what we choose to recognize as important. Undershaw is a treasure that once lost, cannot be regained. It is worth every effort made to preserve it. Let history show we had the foresight to care for it, not that we chose to disregard all it is and all it symbolizes." --Jan Burke, American mystery writer www.janburke.com
Dana Cameron
"Sherlock Holmes isn't English anymore; he belongs to the world. In three consecutive centuries, he's remained wildly popular and globally iconic. As a writer and an archaeologist, it seems obvious to me Undershaw, the home of Holmes' creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, should be preserved as a treasured landmark and destination. Everyone needs a place to celebrate Conan Doyle and his astonishing creation, and what better place than the house he built himself?
I ask you to join me in support of the Undershaw Preservation Trust in its efforts. Thank you." --Dana Cameron, American mystery writer www.danacameron.com
"Sherlock Holmes isn't English anymore; he belongs to the world. In three consecutive centuries, he's remained wildly popular and globally iconic. As a writer and an archaeologist, it seems obvious to me Undershaw, the home of Holmes' creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, should be preserved as a treasured landmark and destination. Everyone needs a place to celebrate Conan Doyle and his astonishing creation, and what better place than the house he built himself?
I ask you to join me in support of the Undershaw Preservation Trust in its efforts. Thank you." --Dana Cameron, American mystery writer www.danacameron.com
Elaine Viets
"Sherlock and his creator have attracted countless visitors (and dollars) to the UK, and entertained generations."--Elaine Viets, American mystery writer www.elaineviets.com ; www.radioearnetwork.com
"Sherlock and his creator have attracted countless visitors (and dollars) to the UK, and entertained generations."--Elaine Viets, American mystery writer www.elaineviets.com ; www.radioearnetwork.com
Henry Zecher
Undershaw holds a truly special place in our hearts. She was home to one of the most popular and successful authors of all time – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – and nourished the most fruitful years of his career. Doyle wrote his most famous works there, and the old house saw him knighted for one of them. Among the many illustrious folks she took in were Sir James M. Barrie (creator of Peter Pan), Bram Stroker (creator of Dracula), artist Sidney Paget (who showed us what Sherlock Holmes looked like), and William Gillette (who brought Holmes to life on the stage). That’s a lot of history and many wonderful memories. The old girl is of the opinion that she is a national treasure and needs to be restored and preserved. I couldn’t agree more."--Henry Zecher, William Gillette, America’s Sherlock Holmes
www.henryzecher.com/
www.henryzecher.com/
Carla Coupe
"It would be a shame if Undershaw was lost to neglect and developers. The Undershaw Preservation Trust is doing sterling work, and I wholeheartedly support their mission to acquire and restore the property."--Carla Coupe, American mystery writer carlacoupe.com/
More Authors in Support of Undershaw.
If you are a published author who would like to add your name to this list please Contact Us.
Toni L. P. Kelner--American mystery writer and editor www.tonilpkelner.com
Lyndsay Faye--American novelist www.lyndsayfaye.com
