Birmingham 's First Folio ends 2022 tour in the Jewellery Quarter

Birmingham 's First Folio finished the 2022 tour at The Hive in the Jewellery Quarter last week.

The First Folio, printed in 1623 is titled Mr. William Shakespeare's Comedies, Histories & Tragedies and it is the first published collection of William Shakespeare 's works. It contains 36 of his plays.

A folio is a large book made by folding printed sheets of paper in half, with each sheet forming four pages. Folios usually contained important subjects like history or religion. The First Folio was the first folio ever published in England devoted exclusively to plays.

To-date, the First Folio visited seven venues during 2022 as part of the 'Everything to Everybody ' project and has been viewed by almost 1500 people whilst on tour.

Birmingham 's copy of the First Folio is unique because it is the only one bought as part of a dedicated programme for improving people 's lives through culture and education. It was purchased in 1881 for all the people of Birmingham - no matter what their background, wealth or occupation.

Professor Ewan Fernie, project director the 'Everything to Everybody ' Project said: “What a wonderful year it has been for Birmingham 's unique People 's Folio on its first ever tour and what a fantastic response we 've had from all those who have, in many instances, queued to see it for themselves.

“This particular First Folio is uniquely special because it was bought for all the people of Birmingham. We 're keen to see and hear what visitors to The Hive make of it and we 're excited about taking it out next year to celebrate its four-hundredth birthday. ”

The First Folio has visited the Sutton Coldfield Library, the Black Country Living Museum, Sense Touchbase Pears, Selly Manor, Highbury Hall and Gap Arts.

The 'Everything to Everybody ' Project is a collaboration between the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City Council, with funding contributed by National Lottery Heritage Fund and History West Midlands 'Everything to Everybody ' will give this uniquely democratic Shakespeare heritage back to people and communities across Birmingham.