1623 First Folio and Shakespeare’s signature on rare public display at City of London Heritage Gallery
A signature from William Shakespeare on a property deed and an exceptionally preserved First Folio are highlights at the City of London Heritage Gallery, showcased in honor of the 400th anniversary of this monumental literary work.
The exhibition, titled ‘Shakespeare,’ is open to the public at no charge until the 25th of January, 2024. Those who attend can also view a facsimile of the First Folio that belonged to John Keats, where he penned two poems, notably ‘On Sitting Down To Read King Lear Once Again.’ The exhibit also includes the parish registry documenting the burial of Shakespeare’s nephew, Edmund.
Among the displays is the City of London Corporation’s 1623 First Folio, previously owned by former Prime Minister William Petty Fitzmaurice. Now housed at the Guildhall Library, this copy stands out as one of the most pristine and complete globally.
Shakespearean scholars emphasize the critical role of John Heminge and Henry Condell, colleagues and friends of Shakespeare, in assembling the plays for the First Folio. Without their efforts, masterpieces such as Macbeth, Twelfth Night, The Tempest, and several others might have vanished into obscurity.
Featured prominently is a property deed from 1613, documenting Shakespeare’s Blackfriars house purchase. Notably, it exhibits one of the mere six verified signatures of the playwright known today.
Munsur Ali, leading the City Corporation’s Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee, expressed excitement about this unprecedented compilation of Shakespearean artifacts. He recalled the overwhelming public interest in April when their First Folio was briefly exhibited, attracting long queues, and anticipates a similar reception this time.
In related news, the Guildhall Art Gallery recently inaugurated the ‘Treasures of Gold and Silver Wire’ exhibit. This collection boasts an array of historic and ornate clothing, along with modern jewelry, enriching the City’s cultural landscape.
This initiative is part of the City Corporation’s ambitious ‘Destination City’ campaign, promoting the Square Mile as a premier destination for entertainment and leisure for visitors from around the globe.
Dedicated to cultural preservation, the City Corporation stands as the UK’s fourth-largest heritage funder, annually channeling over £130m into various cultural enterprises. Its stewardship includes renowned sites like the Barbican Centre, Tower Bridge, and the Museum of London, among others.
