As the home of Shakespeare marks the 400th anniversary of the publication of the First Folio in November, the team at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT) have collaborated with a multi- award-winning jewellery maker to create an exclusive First Folio Jewellery Collection, inspired by the history and creation of this important book.
The SBT, an independent charity responsible for caring for and preserving Shakespeare’s family homes in Stratford-upon-Avon, has worked closely with the West Midlands-based jewellery designer and gallery owner, Sara Preisler, to create a range of bespoke silver jewellery that celebrates Shakespeare’s First Folio, the book published in 1623 that brought 36 of Shakespeare’s plays together for the first time.
The jewellery collection is inspired by the decorative initial letters and printers’ ornaments found in the First Folio and features stud earrings, drop earrings, a bracelet, a bangle, a brooch, a pendant, and a statement pendant. All the pieces are made from sterling silver and are hand finished, ensuring every item is unique.
“We always aim to work with talented local makers to ensure we offer our visitors something truly exceptional., As we continue to mark 400 years of Shakespeare’s First Folio, it has been a privilege to partner with Sara to create something very special.
“It’s been brilliant to see Sara’s response to the First Folio source material that inspired the collection, and we are thrilled with the stunning visual design and the quality of workmanship that has gone into every piece.”
Said Adam Sherratt, Retail Development Manager at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
The SBT’s retail development team and Sara worked together to create a distinctive jewellery offer that celebrates and takes inspiration from the Folio itself. The collection is directly inspired by the decorative initial letter O printed in the First Folio at the beginning of Richard II, Henry 4 Part 2, and the ‘Names of the Actors’ at the end of Othello.
Whilst designing the pieces, Sara was drawn to the textures and marks created by the letterpress printing process. The appearance and distinctive edges of the jewellery she has created reflect the subtle imperfections and texture of the impressed type on the four-centuries-old book.
“The First Folio was so fascinating and there was such a lot of material to look at. I found that the accidental texture of the woodcut imprints was most inspiring as it really resonated with my own collections. The printers’ ornaments were bold and dynamic for their time and gave a feeling of weight and importance to the text, and I wanted to reflect this prominence in the work I designed.’’
Added Sara Preisler, award-winning jewellery designer and gallery owner based at two sites in the West Midlands, with her main gallery and jewellery school located in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon’s historic town centre. Her second gallery can be found on the Pershore Road in Birmingham’s iconic cultural centre, Stirchley.
“The First Folio Jewellery Collection cleverly blends sixteenth-century motifs with elegant contemporary design, offering everybody a chance to take a piece of Shakespeare’s First Folio home with them. Now, as we’re heading into the festive season, the pieces will make a beautiful and unique gift.”
Commented Emma Mulveagh, Retail Development Officer at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
The First Folio Jewellery Collection, which is priced between £65 to £175, is available exclusively from the Birthplace Shop on Henley Street in Stratford-upon-Avon, open seven days a week, and the SBT’s online shop.
For more information and to browse the collection, please visit https://shop.shakespeare.org.uk/shop/.