ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

University of British Columbia Acquires Rare Shakespeare First Folio

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-27

The University of British Columbia (UBC) has successfully obtained an original edition of William Shakespeare's First Folio, one of the 235 copies printed in 1623. This collection, assembled by Shakespeare’s contemporaries seven years posthumously, ranks among the most coveted rare books globally. Acquired from a private American collector via Christie's, the purchase was made possible with assistance from North American benefactors. The most recent First Folio auctioned by Christie's in October 2020 sold for nearly $10 million. This edition includes 18 of Shakespeare's plays, such as 'Macbeth' and 'The Tempest.' It will be on display at the Vancouver Art Gallery from January 15 to March 20, featuring digital presentations and performances by Christopher Gaze, curated by UBC's Gregory Mackie and Katherine Kalsbeek.

Key facts

  • UBC acquired an original First Folio of Shakespeare, printed in 1623.
  • Only 235 copies were originally printed.
  • The volume was compiled by Shakespeare's friends and collaborators seven years after his death.
  • The copy was purchased through Christie's from a private American collector.
  • A consortium of North American donors supported the acquisition.
  • The last Christie's sale of a First Folio in October 2020 fetched nearly $10 million.
  • The First Folio preserved 18 plays that had never been published before.
  • The copy will be exhibited at Vancouver Art Gallery from January 15 to March 20, 2022.
  • The exhibition includes three other 17th-century Shakespeare editions.
  • Curators are Gregory Mackie and Katherine Kalsbeek.
  • The exhibition features digital displays and interactive smartphone features.
  • Audioguide includes performances by Christopher Gaze.
  • VAG director Anthony Kiendl commented on the hybrid nature of Shakespeare.

Entities

Artists

  • William Shakespeare
  • Christopher Gaze

Institutions

  • University of British Columbia
  • Christie's
  • Vancouver Art Gallery
  • Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival

Locations

  • Canada
  • Vancouver

Sources