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The Stationers' Company
The City of London Livery Company for the Communications and Content Industries

ANNIVERSARY OF SHAKESPEARE'S FIRST FOLIO

8 NOVEMBER 2023

Anniversary of Shakespeare's First Folio

Today is the anniversary of a milestone in literary history, the publication of Shakespeare’s First Folio – and from the outset, the Stationers’ Company had a starring role!

It was at Stationers’ Hall, on 8th November 1623, that Stationers Edward Blount and Isaac Jaggard recorded their exclusive right to print ‘Mr William Shakspeers Comedyes, Histories & Tragedyes'.

Four hundred years later, we’re celebrating in style. Monday 6th November saw the staging of a unique Company event, where the legendary entry in the Stationers’ Register was displayed back-to-back with an original First Folio, the two volumes reunited after centuries. Over a lavish dinner in our splendid seventeenth-century Hall, Stationers were treated to a Shakespeare extravaganza performed by actors and musicians from Shakespeare’s Globe. Huge thanks to modern-day Stationer Marcus Coles and his Folio 400 team for being the driving force behind that event.

Marcus and Folio400 also organised the festivities for today, Wednesday 8th November 2023. Back at Stationers’ Hall, the registration will be re-enacted in situ, followed by an International Press Conference. A Charity Gala Dinner will take place in the evening, with all proceeds going to Shakespeare’s Globe.

Marcus Cole's documentary, “Will’s Book”, will be featured on Sky Arts next week, Tuesday November 14th at 8pm