Back to exhibition

Saving Shakespeare's Birthplace

8. Sale fever!

Huge interest in the sale of Shakespeare’s house led to the development of all sorts of ‘spin off’ items. Many were unconnected with the fundraising efforts of the committees, their creators simply keen to cash in on Shakespeare’s high profile.

 

Nightlight or cigar holder, about 1847

Made by Copeland

The design for a ceramic, Birthplace shaped nightlight or cigar holder was registered on 21 September 1847, within a week of the sale. Smoke from the cigar or candle inside escaped through the chimney.

See below for more sale inspired products

 

J V Quick produced a folding birthplace model, which he described as a 'splendid Chimney Ornament' for the home. There were plans for a Birthplace shaped silver brooch and commemorative medal.

A number of books and special editions appeared including The Family Shakspeare by T Bowdler. It left out any words and expressions which could not 'with propriety be read aloud in a family'. There was also a range of Shakespeare themed stationary

 

 



Foldable model of Shakespeare's Birthplace, 1847

Created by J V Quick

A coloured version sold for 2 pence, a plain version for 1 penny.

Printed by J V Quick, 5 Weston Place, King's Cross.



Design for a Shakespeare brooch, about 1847

A note underneath the sketch records that the brooch was to be manufactured in German silver and sold by Williams and Clapham, the Strand, priced about 4 shillings. Whether any were actually produced is unknown.



Medal struck to commemorate the sale of Shakespeare’s Birthplace, 1847

It features a portrait of Shakespeare on one side and an image of the Birthplace on the other. This design was available in either white metal or bronze.

Engraved by Allen and Moore.

 



Shakespeare themed stationary, about 1847