Oscar Wilde at Magdalen College

The exhibition about the life of its brilliant Alumni Oscar Wilde in Magdalen College’s Library was very moving.

The exquisite setting of the library perhaps had something to do with it.

The exhibition was set up with prints and memorabilia depicting the familiar and more surprising stories of Oscar's life.

Did you know Ruskin was his eldest son's godfather? I didn't.

His mother was a writer too and a campaigner for women's rights to comfortable clothes. She died while he was imprisoned at Reading Gaol.

But it isn't all maudlin. A celebration and poignant exploration that casts new light and reflection on a passionate complex individual who in spite of an army of well connected friends and the resilience of humor passed away in an alcoholic reverie.

Magdalen frequently do these library exhibitions. 

Curated by my namesake Sophie Duncan.

You can check out more free events in Oxford here.

https://www.oxfordhistorytours.com/oht-journal/free-to-see-christchurch-cathedral