An interesting article in 'The Guardian' on the influence of London's fogs (also known as pea-soupers) on Charles Dickens' writing. The fogs and other weather conditions feature in several of his books.
At a time when there is a renewed focus on air quality, and the potential problems caused by wood burners to people's health, this is quite relevant.
Image copyright: Arthur Rackham - see article for full details - this is one part of a larger image.
I hope to go along to see this exhibition. Full details are here.
A few descriptions from the piece:
Through letters, original partworks of his writing, illustrations and domestic objects, the exhibition will illustrate the extent and impact of fog in 19th-century London, caused by burning coal in industrial and domestic settings. It will also draw parallels with contemporary issues of air pollution.In letters, Dickens wrote about his own “chest trouble” – coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and being unable to sleep – which was almost certainly asthma exacerbated by poor air quality.
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