Through the Looking Glass: discover the real Lewis Carroll in Surrey

See rare photos, letters and personal items that reveal Lewis Carroll's links to Surrey

Step into the world of Lewis Carroll this autumn at Surrey History Centre. This popular exhibition returns with rare photos, letters and personal items that reveal the man behind Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

This Side of the Looking Glass: Archives from the Real Life of Lewis Carroll runs from Thursday 1 October to Thursday 26 November at Surrey History Centre in Woking. First created for the 160th anniversary of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in 2025, the exhibition returns in 2026 with new items from Lewis Carroll expert and collector Edward Wakeling.

The free exhibition explores the life of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll. He wrote Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass.

Lewis Carroll's connection to Surrey

Author Lewis Carroll camera portrait

Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, self portrait photograph, 1856, Surrey History Centre reference 10829/5918

Many people link Lewis Carroll with Oxford. But he also had strong ties to Surrey. This exhibition explores that lesser-known part of his life through rare archives, photos and personal belongings.

From 1868, Carroll often visited his sisters in Guildford. He spent holidays there and wrote parts of Through the Looking-Glass in the town. During his visits, he took photographs, enjoyed long walks and preached at St Mary's Church.

Rare items from Carroll's life

Lewis Carroll's belongings

Collection of items on display in the exhibition

Over the past 75 years, Surrey History Centre has cared for archives linked to Carroll's childhood. These include letters and original photographs. Together, they offer a unique glimpse into his life, family and interests.

Visitors can see original photographs taken by Carroll, as well as letters and personal items linked to him and his family. The exhibition also includes family keepsakes and childhood creations from the Dodgson family collection.

Other highlights include letters connected to famous people such as Charles Darwin and Princess Alice, Queen Victoria's granddaughter.

The exhibition also features items from the collection of Edward Wakeling. He has spent more than 40 years researching Lewis Carroll and is recognised as one of the world's leading experts on his life and work.

Plan your visit

This Side of the Looking Glass: Archives from the Real Life of Lewis Carroll runs from Thursday 1 October to Thursday 26 November at Surrey History Centre, 130 Goldsworth Road, Woking, GU21 6ND. Entry is free. Visitors are welcome during opening hours (normal searchroom admission rules apply, find out more).

You can also join the online event Lewis Carroll: the Surrey Connections on 4 November from 5.30pm to 6.45pm. Expert speakers will explore his life, work and links to Surrey.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland or simply curious about Surrey's past, this exhibition offers a chance to discover the real Lewis Carroll. Find out more about Heritage events.