Oscar Wilde’s Reading Pass Reissued by British Library 130 Years After Original Confiscation
The British Library has commemorated the legacy of Oscar Wilde by reissuing his reading pass 130 years after it was seized. This symbolic gesture took place during a ceremony in London, where the pass was handed over to Wilde’s grandson, Merlin Holland.
Event Details
The presentation occurred on Thursday, aligning with Wilde’s birthday. Merlin Holland, a writer residing in France, expressed that this act of restitution represents a gesture of forgiveness. He noted that Wilde would have appreciated this tribute, acknowledging the suffering and injustices his grandfather endured following his conviction for gross indecency in 1895.
Background on Oscar Wilde
Wilde faced a harsh sentence of two years of hard labor after his conviction for engaging in homosexual relationships. Following his release in 1897, he moved to France. While in Pentonville Prison, he was informed that the reading room of the British Museum, which later became the British Library, had canceled his reading pass.
Holland’s Perspective
Merlin Holland mentioned that Wilde likely remained unaware of the library’s decision. He indicated that this ban would have further deepened Wilde’s misery during an already challenging time. Holland recently published a book titled “After Oscar: the Legacy of a Scandal,” detailing his grandfather’s life and struggles.
British Library Collection
The British Library houses a significant collection of Wilde’s works. This includes handwritten drafts of iconic plays such as:
- The Importance of Being Earnest
- An Ideal Husband
- A Woman of No Importance
- Lady Windermere’s Fan
Additionally, the library possesses “De Profundis,” a heartfelt letter Wilde authored from jail to Lord Alfred Douglas. Their relationship sparked public condemnation, leading to Wilde’s libel case against the Marquess of Queensbury. This legal battle culminated in Wilde’s conviction for his sexual orientation.
Legacy and Recognition
Carole Black, chair of the British Library’s board, emphasized that this initiative aims to honor Wilde’s memory while recognizing the profound injustices he suffered. Following Wilde’s conviction, his wife, Constance, and their two children relocated to France, adopting the surname Holland to escape the fallout from the scandal. Merlin Holland, the grandson of Wilde and the son of Vyvyan Holland, now lives in France where Wilder spent his final years.
