An Interview with Mr. Pickwick

Allison Crosscup: How did you come to settle in Portsmouth?
Mr. Pickwick: Before I launch into the particulars of my native birth, I must say how very pleased I was to open the door to your messenger the other day, and how very pleased I am to be speaking to you now! Well met, well met! Now, on to the question. I am, in fact, from Portsmouth itself, a proud vessel of and hopeful testament to the noble heritage of The City of the Open Door! My dear Lady Pickwick is also a native of this locale. She purchased a length of ivory silk from my very first shopfront by the wharf. Most unfortunately, my travels took us away for many years to explore the great wide world, but there was never any question that I would make my permanent home in my magical birthplace by the sea.

AC: Pickwick’s now has four locations in downtown Portsmouth. What has been the inspiration behind all of your different shops?

M.P: We have had the thrilling opportunity to bring a bit of our family’s gift of time travel to the city. When you step into Pickwick’s Mercantile, you are transported to a Victorian world of whimsy, in the tradition of Dickens and the mercantile shoppes of my youth. My Lady is proprietress of Lady Pickwick’s, a Parisian boudoir that brings you to the turn of the century to be showered with luxuries. Pickwick’s at the Banke is an homage to the settlement of the city and features colonial wares, a fully stocked English pantry, and a pirate ship children’s room aloft. Finally, my sister Minerva, a most curious woman to be certain, has opened Deadwick’s Ethereal Emporium on Sheafe Street. It is an arcane curiosity shoppe that I must say suits her perfectly.

AC: We know that you are a wonderful supporter of the arts. What is it that moves you to be involved in the arts community?

M.P: We are honored to be considered a part of the vibrant arts community in Portsmouth, which makes so many glad offerings to the altars of the muses. Collaborating with places like the historic Music Hall or the passionate team at Portsmouth Music and Arts Center (PMAC) allows us to have but a small part in another generation of memories made. Art is critical to a life lived well. Dickens believed it, our city acts upon it, and we are glad to support it in any way possible.

AC: We are delighted that Pickwick’s Mercantile is our exclusive sponsor of Vintage Christmas. What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

M.P: Well, it nearly goes without saying that not a year goes by where we do not take advantage of the spell-binding experience that is Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum. A season simply cannot pass without a foray to the Music Hall for a holiday show. And, of course, every Christmas dinner is accompanied by the cracking of the Peppermint Pig. You might have to ask a Pickwickian about that one.

AC: What can we expect from Pickwick’s in the future?

M.P: My favorite question and my most earnest response! One never knows. Even I never know! Never expect anything, but certainly expect something.