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.

Alongside creating his own collections, since 2018 Rory Hutton has designed over 100 silk scarves in collaboration with many of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious arts and heritage institutions, responding to their collections, performances and exhibitions. Known for his lively linocut illustrations and bold block colours, Rory Hutton delights in reinterpreting historical themes and imbuing them with a contemporary twist.

Rory Hutton’s ‘First Folio 400’ collection is available to order from www.roryhutton.co.uk and is be available to purchase in store at the British Museum, The National Theatre, The Royal Opera House and Westminster Abbey. The long scarves (45 x 180cm) and square scarves (90 x 90cm) are both priced at £95; the pocket square (33x33cm) is priced at £38; and the hand fan is priced at £65. The scarves and pocket square are made of 100% silk with rolled edges, and are printed and finished in Italy. The fan, which features a screen print design, is handmade in Spain, and has a sustainable redwood frame.