Shakespeare Set to Stay
University of London reverses decision to sell first folios
The TabThe Tab reported on Wednesday that the University of London was planning to sell rare copies of Shakespeare’s first folio.
The decision was described as “an act of stupidity of the highest order” by noted literary scholar Sir Brian Vickers of UCL.
Safe and sound: The books have been withdrawn from auction
Now, after a huge backlash from academics including Sir Brian, the uni has backtracked on that decision.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Sir Adrian Smith told The Guardian: “The university has decided to focus its attention on examining alternative ways of investing in the collection. The money raised from any sale would have been used to invest in the future of the library by acquiring major works and archives of English literature.”
The sale was anticipated to raise £5million for the university in an auction at Bonhams in London.