Oscar Wilde’s British Library Card Restored 130 Years After Revocation Due to Gay Conviction
The British Library has taken a significant step in honoring the legacy of Oscar Wilde by reissuing his reader’s card, 130 years after its revocation. This new card comes in recognition of the injustices Wilde faced due to his conviction for “gross indecency” in 1895.
Revocation of Wilde’s Reader Card
Oscar Wilde, an eminent Irish writer, saw his access to the British Library revoked during a tumultuous period in his life. His original card was canceled on June 15, 1895, as noted in the trustees’ minutes of the time. This decision followed Wilde’s conviction for a crime stemming from his homosexual relationships, which were illegal in Victorian England.
Impact of the Conviction
The revocation occurred shortly after Wilde had been sentenced to two years of hard labor, which he faced after losing a libel case against Lord Queensberry. The trial revealed Wilde’s relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, leading to his conviction.
New Card Ceremony
On what would have been Oscar Wilde’s 171st birthday, his grandson, Merlin Holland, is set to collect the restored library card. Holland expressed his appreciation for this gesture, calling it a “lovely gesture of forgiveness” and a tribute to Wilde’s spirit.
- Date of original card revocation: June 15, 1895
- Date of Wilde’s passing: November 30, 1900
- Conviction outcome: Two years of hard labor
Wilde’s Literary Contributions
The British Library houses original drafts of Wilde’s notable works, including:
- The Importance of Being Earnest
- An Ideal Husband
- A Woman of No Importance
- Lady Windermere’s Fan
Additionally, it contains “De Profundis,” a poignant letter penned by Wilde from Reading Gaol, showcasing his literary prowess even amid adversity.
Recognition of a Literary Giant
Dame Carol Black, chair of the British Library, emphasized the importance of Wilde as a prominent literary figure of the 19th century. The reissue of his card is intended to honor his memory and address the injustices he endured because of his sexual orientation. Holland’s presence at the ceremony also aligns with his own literary contributions, including his recent work, “After Oscar: The Legacy of a Scandal.”
Through this act, the British Library highlights the significance of Wilde’s contributions to literature, while recognizing the profound challenges he faced. The reissued card serves as a symbol of remembrance and a step towards justice for the late writer.
