Oscar Wilde died in a small Parisian hotel on 30 November 1900. His unconventional life contained all the elements of pure theatre. A versatile and brilliant witty writer, Wilde's meteoric rise to literary fame and fortune was followed by an equally swift descent to notoriety and disgrace. The exhibition presents this dramatic life story as a series of six acts. Starting with Wilde's childhood in Ireland and student days in Dublin and Oxford, it leads the visitor through his triumphant lecture tour of America and huge popularity as a writer and social figure, to his three famous trials, imprisonment, exile and early death in Paris.

What to see
Manuscripts, printed editions, photographs, paintings, theatre posters and programmes, sound recordings, newspapers and memorabilia from the Library’s collections, family and private archives – many are on display for the first time.

The exhibition has been prepared with the assistance of Wilde's grandson, Merlin Holland.

VENUE
The British Library Pearson Gallery
96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB


EXHIBITION OPENING HOURS:
Mon, Wed-Fri 09.30-18.00
Tue 09.30-20.00
Sat 09.30-17.00
Sun 11.00-17.00 Except Sun 19 Nov 13.00-17.00

CLOSED
Sun 24 Dec to Wed 27 DEC inclusive
Sun 31 DEC 2000 and Mon 1 Jan 2001.

TICKET PRICES
Full Price £4.50; concessions £3, Free to under 18s
No advance booking except for groups of 12+ who should call +44 (0)20 7412 7332