Shakespeare’s First Folio: from London to the world - and Leeds!

Bestselling author and scholar Professor Emma Smith will give a free talk in her hometown of Leeds as the University displays its own copy of the First Folio.

The event on Wednesday 3 May is part of Folio400, an international project celebrating the 400th anniversary of the book’s publication in 1623. 

Taking place in the Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre from 6-7pm on Wednesday 3 May, the talk will be followed by a drinks reception. Tickets are free and available to book on Eventbrite. 

In the talk, Professor Smith will explore the stories of some of the book’s surviving copies, which have had unique journeys across the world. Many copies contain evidence of how they were used (and abused), with some showing how the plays were received in different theatres and others containing doodles and children’s drawings. 

Members of the public can also join Professor Smith and experts from the University’s School of English to view the First Folio and other rare books from the Brotherton Collection in a one-off exhibition before the talk, from 4.30 to 5.30pm in the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery on Wednesday 3 May.  

The Brotherton First Folio will be on display in the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery from 29 March - 24 June, as part of the Folio400 celebrations.