The Hidden Gem of Saint-Omer: Shakespeare's First Folio

Join us for an exceptional evening to celebrate the remarkable discovery of Shakespeare’s First Folio in Saint Omer, France, on the occasion of its historic return to the UK.

As he was preparing for an exhibition, Rémy Cordonnier, archivist at the Saint-Omer library, made the discovery of his life: a rare Shakespeare First Folio. The book, printed in 1623, 7 years after the death of the playwright, had been dormant on its shelf for over 200 years, wrongly registered as an 18th Century book. It is the 233 rd known specimen of this first imprint, and one of the most valuable books in the world: in 2001, one was sold in New York for 5,6 million dollars.

Why was this book in the Saint-Omer library? Who owned it? Dr Anthony James West, specialist of Shakespeare’s first editions, and Rémy Cordonnier will tell the story of this discovery, in the presence of the First Folio itself.

An exclusive performance by Shakespearean stars Jamie Parker and Olivia Ross will then bring the First Folio to life.