WHAT? Extra/Ordinary Women

WHERE? Charles Dickens Museum, 48–49 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LX

WHEN? Now until 6th September

WHY GO? To remember women with fortitude. Turn the pages of any Dickens book to discover that women feature prominently; devoted resilient women like Mrs Micawber, timid frail women like Little Nell or tragic women on the edge of society like Nancy in Oliver Twist.

This fascinating exhibition expertly curated in Dickens' former home cum museum aligns the women he admired — and there were many — to the colourful characters in his famous stories. Letters, photographs, artworks and even souvenirs reveal how he was inspired by female companionship to flesh out many of the characters in his tales.

His own mother was the inspiration for Mrs Micawber, who, when the family was in debt, pawned possessions and sent him out to work, yet she is warmly credited by encouraging his career as a writer.

It’s well documented that Dickens’s wife Catherine (Kate), whom he left after 22 years of marriage for actress Ellen Ternan, was a loyal intelligent woman who managed his whirl of social engagements, wrote a cookery book of note, all while bearing him ten children.

Two daughters, Mamie and Katey, both creatives in their own right are shown in a painting on display for the first time with their own contributions credited.

Powerful women helped craft his legacy. Doris Minards became the first curator of the Dickens museum when it opened in 1925 and her story unfolds on video alongside the displays.

This is a treat for thespians.

IN THE KNOW Of all the extraordinary actors who have performed characters from Dickens's books, Miriam Margolyes stands out. Her 2012 acclaimed one-woman show, Dickens’ Women, brought to life 23 of his most famous female characters, including Miss Havisham and Little Nell.

The BBC audiobook CD is still available online.