Autograph of Arthur Conan Doyle

“Elementary, Watson!” — Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Signed Letter on Oscar Wilde Exhibition at His Psychic Museum

Original Autograph | Double-Sided Letter on Hotel Gloucester Letterhead | Certified Authentic | 5×8 inches | ca. 1920s

Description

A rare and historically significant autograph letter by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, written during his late-life commitment to Spiritualism. Addressed to his associate Francis Williams, this letter offers a behind-the-scenes look at Doyle’s personal involvement in the operations of his Psychic Book Shop & Museum, founded in 1925 in London.

This document reflects Doyle’s active curatorial role—commenting on financial performance, press coverage, book inventory, and notably the upcoming exhibition dedicated to Oscar Wilde, featuring both a letter from Wilde during his lifetime and a posthumous message allegedly received through automatic writing.

Full Translated Text of the Letter (from the original English):

Hotel Gloucester Letterhead – August 13

To: Francis Williams

"Your reports are models. I think the results are excellent for this time of year.

The museum averages £1 a day — which is just what I hoped for.

There was an excellent and clever article about it in News of the World.

It's very damp here, but we hope for better weather.

I think the rather untidy drawing and written document to the right of the museum door can come down, and the Oscar Wilde exhibition can take its place.

Put the other away safely, as it belongs to the L.S.A.

Tell Miss Dallas, from me as well as from yourself, that we will take up to 50 copies of her Mors Janua Vitae, if at half price.

Otherwise, we are not increasing our stock.

Bring Tweedale’s book to the foreground — as much as you can. It's good..."

Historical Context

In the final decade of his life, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle became one of the most prominent public advocates for Spiritualism. Deeply affected by personal loss during and after World War I, he immersed himself in paranormal studies, attending séances and promoting communication with the dead.

In 1925, he established a Psychic Book Shop & Museum in London—dedicated entirely to literature and artifacts related to psychic phenomena. Among its most controversial displays was a pairing of an authentic letter from Oscar Wilde, and a message claimed to have been received from Wilde after his death, via automatic writing through medium Hester Dowden.

This letter reveals Doyle’s intentions to feature that very Wilde exhibit.

Key Features

• Original double-sided handwritten letter on Hotel Gloucester letterhead
• Signed and entirely written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Discusses museum business, exhibitions, and Oscar Wilde
• Includes mention of rare spiritualist works and marketing strategy
• Certified Authentic (COA included) — confirming the signature and handwritten content
• Ideal for collectors, literary museums, historical archives, and investment

About Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930)

British writer and physician of Irish descent, most famous for creating Sherlock Holmes, as well as Professor Challenger and Brigadier Gerard. Author of historical fiction, fantasy, adventure, and science fiction. In his final years, Doyle was a dedicated spiritualist, lecturing globally and promoting belief in the afterlife.

🧾 Certificate of Authenticity (COA) included — verifying the signature and provenance

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📸 High-resolution scans of the letter available upon request

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