Charles Dickens Accepts Royal Academy of Arts Invite In Signed Letter PSA Mint 9

Title:
Charles Dickens Autograph Note Signed – PSA/DNA Certified, Auto Grade MINT 9 (Cert #85623339)

Description:
Presented here is an exceptional Autograph Note Signed (ANS) by famed Victorian author Charles Dickens, dated April 17, 1847. The note, handwritten and signed in rich brown ink, is composed on a single sheet of fine cream stationery and encapsulated by PSA/DNA in their tamper-evident holder. The autograph has received a MINT 9 grade, indicating near-flawless signature quality with only minimal signs of handling.

The content of the note reads:

"Mr. Charles Dickens presents his compliments to the President and Council of the Royal Academy, and is happy to have the honor of accepting their invitation for Saturday the first of May."

Devonshire Terrace
Seventeenth April 1847

Dickens' flowing signature—Charles Dickens—is clearly visible within the body of the note, rendered in his distinctive, elegant 19th-century hand. The page remains in outstanding condition, with well-preserved ink, crisp paper, and no tears or significant blemishes. The verso is blank, with light handling folds consistent with age.

Historical Context:
Charles Dickens (1812–1870) is widely regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, known for works such as A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, and Great Expectations. His deep concern for social reform, empathy for the underprivileged, and masterful character development cemented his legacy as a literary giant.

The date of this note—April 17, 1847—places it during a significant phase of Dickens’ career. At the time, he was engaged in major public and literary activities, including overseeing Dombey and Son's serial publication (1846–1848). His reference to the Royal Academy—a key institution in British art and culture—indicates his social stature among elite intellectual and artistic circles of the day.

The Royal Academy of Arts, founded in 1768, is one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious art institutions. Located in London, it was established to promote the creation, enjoyment, and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education, and debate. Its annual Summer Exhibition—still ongoing today—is the longest-running open-submission art show in the world. During Dickens’ time, the Academy held considerable cultural influence, serving as a central hub for artists, critics, and high society. His attendance at an event there reflects the close ties between literature and the visual arts in Victorian Britain.

Correspondence from Dickens during this period, particularly formal notes to institutions like the Royal Academy, remains quite scarce. This brief yet elegant message encapsulates his refined public persona and the social orbit he commanded in 19th-century Britain.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
PSA/DNA Certified Autograph
Auto Grade: MINT 9
Certification Number: 85623339
Encapsulated by PSA in a tamper-evident archival holder
Label: "PAGE – CHARLES DICKENS – PSA/DNA CERTIFIED – AUTO GRADE – MINT 9"
Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This beautifully preserved 1847 handwritten note signed by Charles Dickens offers collectors an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of literary history. Graded MINT 9 and authenticated by PSA/DNA, it combines visual elegance with historical resonance, making it a cornerstone item for collectors of 19th-century literature, autographs, or Victorian-era cultural figures.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.