The life and works of England’s greatest playwright and poet William Shakespeare are to be celebrated by the Library of Birmingham at a free exhibition in April.
Rare historic items from the Birmingham’s own Shakespeare Memorial Library collection and more borrowed from the British Library and other museums will feature in the exhibition which marks the 400th anniversary of the Bard’s death.
There will also be a range of books, films, poster and photographs allowing visitors to explore the life of Shakespeare and the inspiration for his works including Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth.
Our Shakespeare curator Julian Harrison said: “This is a rare and exciting opportunity for people to experience first-hand artefacts, footage and audio that they won’t have seen elsewhere.
“William Shakespeare is one of Warwickshire’s most famous citizens and this exhibition extends Birmingham’s record of staging innovative events in fantastic locations.”
The exhibition runs form April 22 until September 3 and is suitable for all ages. There is a family themed event on Saturday, April 23 - Shakespeare’s birthday.
The Library of Birmingham started closer working on a cultural partnership with the British Library last year in the wake of the funding cuts.
Meanwhile Marketing Birmingham has launched its own 400th anniversary initiative to attract more visitors to the region from abroad, particularly the US.
The Shakespeare 2016 campaign is a joint initiative with Shakespeare’s England, Leicester Shire Promotions and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and will draw visitors to events and attractions in Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon and Leicester.
