Netflix install statue of Frances Dickens in Portsmouth to mark release of Enola Holmes

To celebrate the release of Enola Holmes — a fresh foray into the universe of Sherlock Holmes — Netflix have installed temporary statues across the UK honouring the lesser-known sisters of renowned 18th- and 19th-century men. The campaign reflects the film’s unique focus on Sherlock’s titular young sister.

Each of the statues are situated alongside the permanent effigies of their more famous brothers. In Portsmouth, musician Frances Dickens has been honoured with a statue beside her brother Charles, sited in Guildhall Square.

Frances’ statue features an eye-catching gold and green design (or is it black and blue?), emblazoned with music notes.

Charles — who was born ten minutes away from his bronze depiction, in Old Commercial Road — famously requested no statue be erected in his memory.

Frances (commonly known as Fanny) was a Royal Academy of Music-trained pianist and singer. She studied with Ignaz Moscheles, a former pupil of Beethoven. On 29th June 1824, she performed at a concert where Princess Augusta, the sister of King George IV, presented the prizes.

Sherlock Holmes was, of course, the creation of Arthur Conan Doyle, who once worked as a GP in Southsea. He was the goalkeeper for the team that became Portsmouth Football Club.

Netflix’s campaign reminds us of when Disney installed statues of pirates emerging from the waters of Portsmouth Harbour in 2017, promoting the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge!

Enola Holmes stars Stranger Things legend Millie Bobby Brown in the lead role, plus Helena Bonham Carter as her (mysteriously disappeared) mother, Sam Claflin as Mycroft Holmes, and Henry Cavill as Sherlock.

The trailer features some beautiful drone shots, including footage of the rolling British countryside.