Exhibition of Shakespeare's original First Folio unveiled in

The British Council, in collaboration with The British Library and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai has brought First Folio - the first collection of plays by William Shakespeare - to India for the first time.

One of Britain's iconic documents is on display for Shakespeare's lovers in Mumbai from January 20 to March 8.

The collection was first published in 1623 as a bulky book of 900 words in London. It is significant because 18 of these plays would not have survived, and most of the other prominent plays would be known to readers only in the imperfect form.
 

At an event here to mark the exhibition opening, S Mukherjee, Director General, CSMVS said "Our New Year gift to the city of Mumbai is the chance to view Shakespeare's First Folio published in 1623, in an exhibition titled 'What's in a name?"

"This is the first time that this Folio will be travelling to India, in yet another successful partnership with the British Library, London. To make the occasion more meaningful, the CSMVS has organised a six-week-long festival of activity which will engage adults, children, schools, educational establishments, and community groups with the exhibition and create deeper, hands-on engagement with Shakespeare and his writings," he said.

Alan Gemmell, OBE Director, British Council India said, "India has always had a special association with Shakespeare as seen in the various adaptations and interpretations of his work over the years. Bringing First Folio to India is a special milestone in British Council's celebration of the legacy of the renowned playwright's work.

"With new digital projects and unique channels to connect the participants to Shakespeare, we hope that people will not only enjoy the experience but will also be able to engage with the Bard in a more meaningful way."

Jamie Andrews, Head of Culture and Learning at the British Library said, "We are delighted that this special copy of Shakespeare's First Folio will be going on display in Mumbai for the very first time. Sharing the richness of our collections with people across India is important to us and we hope visitors will take this unique opportunity to see this incredible world treasure up close."

The collection is being sought out by book collectors, libraries and museums as only 400 complete copies survive from the original print out of around 750, a release said.

This collection was first owned by King George III. In the late 20th century it was re-bound in burgundy goatskin as part of conservation treatments by the British Library.