'Empty' isn't 'dead'
From Natasha McEnroe
Sir: I was surprised to read in Charles Saumarez Smith's review of 18 Folgate Street (Books, 10 November) that he considers Dr Johnson's house 'dead' compared with the late Dennis Severs's house. It does not seem a useful exercise to compare the two very different methods of presentation used by the two houses.
I have been an admirer of Mr Severs's work for many years, and his 'still life drama' is a useful and interesting way of interpreting the past, as well as being great fun. In contrast to the anachronistically crowded rooms of 18 Folgate Street, Dr Johnson's house is deliberately kept very empty, to reflect the austerity of the period and to allow the unique architectural details to be seen clearly.
By coincidence, one of the volunteer staff at Dr Johnson's house is also a volunteer at 18 Folgate Street. He is open-minded enough to appreciate both houses for the very different things that they have to offer, instead of applying misleading labels.
Natasha McEnroe
Curator, Dr Johnson's House, London EC4
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