In 1890, Oscar Wilde’s gothic novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, was first published in Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine. This was followed by a longer, revised version released in book format in 1891. Dublin-born Wilde, who spent some time living in London, references 152 Hertford Street in the work:
“Dorian Gray threw his hat and coat upon the table and passed into the library. For a quarter of an hour he walked up and down the room, biting his lip and thinking. Then he took down the Blue Book from one of the shelves and began to turn over the leaves. “Alan Campbell, 152, Hertford Street, Mayfair.” Yes; that was the man he wanted.”
Oscar Wilde was no stranger to the city. He first moved to London in 1879 and it was at his home in Tite Street, Chelsea, where he penned his celebrated novel. He frequented Mayfair, pausing to browse books in Hatchards bookshop and kept his appearance smart with regular visits to the royally-appointed barber Truefitt & Hill.
However, the address of 152 Hertford Street really is the work of fiction – it does not exist; indeed, the road only contains 51 houses. However, the type of residence was very fitting for Wilde’s scholarly character. Censuses have afforded us the fascinating information of who has lived in Hertford Street since its completion in 1771. There had been peers, parliamentarians, physicians, clergy, stock brokers and people ‘living on their own means’ living here between 1771 and 1890. Earlier in the 1800s, at 14 Hertford Street, one of the country’s most famous scientists, Edward Jenner (pioneer of the smallpox vaccine), lived and practised.
Who would’ve been Alan Campbell’s contemporaries on the street? The book was set during the period in which it was written so the 1881 census is a good reference to use. It tells us that Dudley James Fortescue, Honourable Justice of the Peace in Ireland, and his family lived at no. 9. Their staff included a butler, a footman, a lady’s maid, a cook, a house maid and a kitchen maid. Physician William Wegg lived at no. 11 with his wife, son and staff of six. George William Barrington (7th Viscount Barrington), a politician, lived with his wife and seven staff at no. 19. We like to think these make very fitting neighbours for Campbell and furthermore, we absolutely love to imagine Wilde strolling down Hertford Street, gathering inspiration for his work.
