2024...BSI

My BSI investiture is "BAKER STREET." As Wiggins explained, that was appropriate as I had recreated Baker Street as part of my home.

BAKER STREET, CIRCA 1880

More than a century ago, today's BAKER STREET consisted of Upper Baker Street, Baker Street and York Place. Its popular townhouses were first constructed beginning in 1720. Fine examples of this Georgian architecture remain today.

TOWNHOUSE MODEL

After considerable research and numerous visits to London, I sculpted a representation of a townhouse row. Such groupings were meant to mimic the facades of more imposing buildings. See if you can find the "Man in the Window."

I worked with an architect to determine the basic design of the floor plans.

The sitting room arrangement was based upon a "two window" design.

The townhouses along Baker Street were developed in the 1720's by John Portman. There were no building codes and many of the construction laborers were recruited from shipyards.

Fireplace and Chemist table.

The room's focal point is the fireplace. Ensconced in his "slipper chair," Holmes could quickly pivot to greet a client or tend to a chemist experiment.

221b Holiday Celebration.

Everytime that I step into the sitting room it becomes a holiday.

FIREPLACE OVER-MANTEL

"Jack-knifed" correspondence, Napoleonic bust and chiming clock await Mr. Holmes' return. A seven percent solution adds its own drama.

WATSON'S PISTOL

A Webley "bulldog" pistol was an inexpensive Belgian firearm favored by many a Victorian gentleman.

CHEMIST'S CORNER

Placement between the hearth and window allowed for the quick disposal of any failed chemical experiment.

CHEMIST'S TABLE DETAIL

Surrounded by test tubes and beakers, the 1903 microscope is from a London firm and is ready to aid in any investigations.

SAFE KEEPING

Although there is no Canonical mention, many gentlemen considered a sitting room safe a necessity.

SIDEBOARD

Our table features a Tantalus, as well as a selection of mementos gathered from various investigations. Note the elegant buffet lamp.

SUSSEX VAMPIRE

Victorians had a fascination with nature. Holmes would have appreciated the irony of a displayed bat.

SELTZOGENE, GAZOGENE

These rare predecessors of the seltzer bottle are difficult to find nowadays. They were prone to crack and even explode when charged; as a result, a sturdier wire mesh replaced the wicker weave. The gazogene on the right is a particularly rare and intact example that dates to 1851, manufactured by the Berit Company in Paris. The settee was an Anglo-Japanese design popular in 1870.

TABLE DETAIL

A refreshing drink, a thoughtful pipe and cuffs for any culprit! Each will be needed when contemplating the paw cast suggestive of a "gigantic hound."

BEVERAGES

When properly charged with the required additive powder, the gazogene would complement any beverage. Such were the beginnings of the modern cocktail!

DINING TABLE

Our table is set for afternoon tea. A covered dish offers a tempting treat while an English bow-back chair provides proper seating. A "tin dispatch-box" awaits investigation.

TABLE DETAIL

Do pause to investigate the items arrayed on the table. Was there ever enough room for clues and a meal?

FLATWARE

The mother-of-pearl handled flatware inscribed "SH" was a unique London flea market find.

DARK LANTERNS

This early oil fueled flashlight was standard issue to London's police force. The brass example was of heavier construction for use aboard ships and called a "boat" or "signal" lantern. Many examples were manufactured in New Jersey by the Dietz Company.

DARK LATERN DISPLAY

Rare American and English variants are part of our large gathering of dark lanterns. All merited careful restoration.

HOLMES' DESK

A student lamp, an early telephone and stationery items typically found in a Victorian desk await the detectives hand.

FILING CABINET

Such cabinets are difficult to find. Holmes would have required something much larger!

SETTE

Visitors find comfort on an 1880, Anglo-Japanese, sette. Plenty of reading material is nearby.

BOOKCASE

The eras' Encyclopedias' offer useful insights to terminology and phrasing. This mint edition dates to 1906 and was published in Edinburgh. The great wax seal is that of Charles II and backs up the "Mazarin" stone.

REICHENBACH FALLS

BSLA is privileged to display four original steel engravings of the fabled Reichenbach Falls of Switzerland. These rare prints form an appropriate background for an "alpenstock." To the left, boxing gloves and a French "Legion of Honor" certificate acknowledge Mr. Holmes' other abilities.

BOW WINDOW

My research has yet to discover any evidence of a "bow" window along Baker Street. Such an expensive architectural detail would only be found on higher end construction such as found two blocks east along Abbey Road. However, for my fellow Sherlockians, BSLA has imagined it!

GORDON MATCHSAFE

Portrait of Sherlock Holmes, 36x24, oil

Created by Chuck Kovacic it now resides at BAKER STREET WEST in Jackson, CA.

MORLEY PORTRAIT

Several years ago I donated my portrait of the BSI founder to the owners of McSorley's'. It awaits Sherlockian toasts after the January "Morley Walk."

MYSTERIOUS VISITOR

BSLA occasionally greets rather unusual guests!

JEREMY BRETT

While on a PBS promotional tour, a local scion hosted Mr. Brett for a brief luncheon. He remains my favorite Holmes!

YOU'RE INVITED!

Here at BSLA, my investigations continue. Fellow Sherlockians are always welcome to visit. A PM will begin your future visit. Email me at cfkovacic@aol.com