Photography & Ephemera

[SHAKESPEARE, William (1564-1616)]. Miniatures of Shakespeare’s desk and chair constructed with wood salvaged from the Church of the Holy Trinity, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK. Late 19th century. Snuff box with Shakespeare’s likeness engraved on lid included. Chair, 8 x 3 ¾ x 4”. Desk, 4 ¾ x 4 ½ x 2”. Period labels affixed to the undersides of chair and desk. The history of the Church of the Holy Trinity at Stratford-upon-Avon is inextricably tied to William Shakespeare, who was baptized, married, and buried within its walls. The church was restored three times in the 19th century, with the final restoration taking place in 1884-1898. Discarded oak from pews and altars was salvaged and fashioned into replicas of various pieces of Shakespeare’s furniture and then sold to help pay for the restoration work.