42 artworks by 26 artists

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Samuel Johnson's Birthplace in Lichfield has been a museum dedicated to Johnson since 1901, with many significant items being collected in the first decade after opening. The collection comprises personalia, fine art, furniture, manuscripts and books housed across three libraries, including significant association items. The letter and manuscript collections relate to Johnson, James Boswell, Anna Seward, Hester Piozzi and Joshua Reynolds. At a more locally important level, the museum holds many documents associated with the history of Lichfield. Items of personalia in the collection include Johnson’s armchair, breakfast table, wedding ring and portable writing desk. The Fine Art collection represents Johnson and his contemporaries, including David Garrick, near contemporary copies after Joshua Reynolds and a school of Reynolds portrait of Sir Thomas Mills. Local scenes in Lichfield are well represented, and the collection also includes watercolour views and pastel portraits.