Keats-Shelley House in Rome examines Browning's Italian connections

A temporary exhibition at the Keats-Shelley House examines the time spent in Italy by celebrated English poet and playwright Robert Browning (1812-1889), and Italy's subsequent influence on his work during the 1850s and 1860s.

Central to the exhibition is a collection of 15 of the Victorian poet's letters to American sculptor William Story, detailing various aspects of society, politics and life. The letters have been in the collection of the Keats-Shelley Memorial Association since 1915 but this is their first time being displayed publicaly.

The exhibition features a series of portraits and artefacts on loan from Eton College, including his calling-card case with the cards he received from such literary giants as Charles Dickens and Alfred Lord Tennyson.

Another highlight is an 18th-century engagement ring that Browning gave to prominent English poet Elizabeth Barrett (1806-1861), who moved to Italy as his wife in 1846, dying of a lung infection in Florence 15 years later.

For more exhibition details see website.