Dickens relived . Ratanswill reception of ' Pickwick papers ' at Caxton Hall . Pickwick Papers came to life in London , and Mr Pickwick , his beaming face aglow with goodwill , once again attended the famous election reception given by Mrs Leo Hunter at The Den , Eatanwill , greeting as every side well loved characters from the pages of CHarles Dickens , at the Caxton Hall , Westminster . The reception and christmas party , given by the Dickens fellowship , was actually a prelude to the celebration next year of the centenary of genial Mr Pickwick . Photo shows , Mr Pickwick ( Mr S J Bust ) gives a little ' fatherly advice ' to a guest at the reception . 14 December 1935