From Frankenstein to Noddy: the Writers of Marlow

The newly refurbished Marlow Museum invites you to visit the exhibition From Frankenstein to Noddy: The Writers of Marlow, which runs until March 25, 202 - weaving together history, literature, and a touch of local lore.

It all began with the fascination by a member of the Local History Group of Marlow’s rich literary past, from Mary Shelley to Enid Blyton. This resulted in a talk, a walking tour, and this captivating exhibition. From photographs to paintings, quills to art deco fountain pens, rare first editions to charming anecdotes, visitors are treated to a treasure trove of artefacts sourced from local collectors, museums, and even Eton College.

At the age of just 19, Mary Shelley moved to Marlow to finish Frankenstein, a novel that remains a bestseller. Newly married to Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, the family settled in West Street. A surprising addition to the exhibition is a photo of the Hollywood star Boris Karloff, the iconic Frankenstein’s monster, playing cricket against Marlow’s town team! Tragically, their Marlow chapter was brief. The house was next door to Borlase School, and the noise from the playing fields reminded Percy Shelley of his school days at Eton when he was severely bullied. After a year, they left England, and Percy Shelley later drowned. He was just 29. Don’t miss the poignant watercolour of his boat, painted by a friend just weeks before his death.

Inscription Shelley carved his name into the walls of Upper House at Eton. Reproduced by permission of the Provost and Fellows of Eton College.

Fast-forward a century to another West Street resident: T.S. Eliot. The modernist poet delighted in living on the same street as Shelley. He knew the area as he’d previously taught at High Wycombe’s grammar school. Best known for inspiring Cats, Eliot’s connection to Marlow is commemorated in the Garden of Remembrance, where his poetry is etched for posterity.

Jerome K. Jerome’s Three Men in a Boat remains a beloved classic, inspiring generations, and countless comedians on TV, to row along the Thames in search of adventure. Following publication, in 1889, there was a 50% increase in boat licenses!

Plaque The plaque commemorating Percy and Mary Shelley on the wall of the house they lived in, West St, Marlow.

Then there’s Edgar Wallace, the “King of Thrillers,” who penned a staggering quarter of all books read in Britain during the 1920s. Wallace’s transformation of Bourne End’s Chalklands into a lavish estate was as dramatic as his life story. Wallace died at age 57 while working on the screenplay for King Kong in Hollywood - the scene of King Kong on the top of the Empire State Building is pure Wallace.

The 1st Marlow Brownies visited the exhibition recently and enjoyed learning about another of our authors, Kenneth Grahame. They also listened to the marvellous episode of Mole’s first boat trip from Wind in the Willows.

Time is running out—don’t miss this enchanting celebration of creativity and legacy!

Find out More: visit Marlow Museum Court Garden, Pound Lane, Marlow SL7 2AR

Exhibition closes : March 25, 2025.

Opening Hours from 1st March: Wednesdays 2 pm - 5 pm; Friday 10 am - 2 pm; Sundays 1 pm -5 pm. Parking is available in Court Gardens car park.

For group visits: contact@marlowmuseum.org