Mystery of the £2m Sherlock Holmes museum family fallout

The owners of the Sherlock Holmes Museum have been forced to go to the High Court after becoming embroiled in a family row over nearly £2 million in admission fees.

The family who created the museum at 221B Baker Street where, according to the books of Arthur Conan Doyle, Holmes and Doctor Watson lived, are said to have been torn apart by the dispute over who is entitled to the money.

Grace Aidiniantz and her daughter Jennifer Decoteau, with whom she runs The Sherlock Holmes International Society, is suing her son John over revenues from the museum, including souvenirs sold in the gift shop.

The family attended the High Court this week when the society tried to extend an injunction freezing Mr Aidiniantz’s assets, including £535,000 that he held in a safe. The case is due to be heard in May. Mr Aidiniantz founded the museum in 1990 with the help of his mother.