One of the world’s most valuable literary treasures has received a unique tribute from printmaker and accessories designer, Rory Hutton.

Available from late September the collection will take centre-stage in Rory’s extensive range of signature silk scarves during the Christmas period - the new additions feature bold colours, dramatic linocut designs and includes two long scarves, two square scarves, a pocket square, and a hand fan celebrating the 400th anniversary next year of the publication of the 1623 First Folio. 

Resplendent in black, gold, red, and grey, the new collection features the titles of Shakespeare’s plays, references to the First Folio’s publication date, Shakespeare’s birth and death years, and his portrait, as well as figures dressed in Elizabethan costume, and recurring motifs in the plays, including a rose, crown, dagger, skull, and quill pen.

Published seven years after Shakespeare’s death, the First Folio includes 36 of his plays, thanks to the hard work and dedication of two of his friends and fellow actors, John Heminge and Henry Condell, who gathered the plays together. If they had not committed to collecting the work for the book, modern day experts on Shakespeare’s life and work have stated that half of all of his plays (including Macbeth, Twelfth Night, As You Like It, The Tempest, and Antony and Cleopatra) would have been lost forever.

The First Folio was printed in London and published in an edition of around 750 in November 1623. Just over 230 copies have survived to this day.

Speaking at the launch of his ‘First Folio 400’ range, Rory Hutton said:

“The ‘First Folio 400’ scarves, pocket square, and hand fan have made a dramatic entrance into my collection, and I hope that they will appeal to Shakespeare lovers, theatre goers, and anyone who enjoys adding a theatrical flourish to their favourite outfits.

“As well as celebrating the anniversary of this hugely important book and recognising Shakespeare’s enduring legacy as a playwright and poet, these pieces serve as a ‘thank you’ to Heminge and Condell for saving so much of Shakespeare’s work for future generations.”