Permanent Collection
Prints and drawings
Our collection includes many eighteenth- and nineteenth- century prints, mainly portraits of Johnson's contemporaries. The collection also includes a set of nineteenth-century topographical watercolours of the City of London and Dr Johnson’s House, and a fine chalk and pencil drawing of Johnson's great friend, Mrs Piozzi (formerly Mrs Thrale).
Oil paintings
The House has a small collection of paintings, which include portraits of Johnson and his contemporaries as well as scenes from his life. Highlights include a rare surviving portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds' sister, Frances, a portrait of a black man (possibly that of Francis Barber, Johnson's manservant) by James Northcote and a scene showing Johnson meeting the actress Sarah Siddons, by William Powell Frith.
Archives
The House's archives are currently being catalogued.
Manuscripts
Dr Johnson's House holds a collection of 40 manuscripts, many of which are in Johnson's hand.
Other
The House's collection also includes porcelain from the services of Mrs Thrale, James Boswell and Sir Joshua Reynolds; Georgian furniture; Johnson's walking stick, letter case and portrait medallion, as well as Johnsoniana and other ephemera.