Collections Encounter: The Forgeries of Thomas J. Wise
| Dates: | 2 September 2026 |
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| Times: | 14:00 - 15:00 |
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| What is it: | Drop-in session |
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| Organiser: | John Rylands Library |
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| How much: | Free |
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| Who is it for: | General public |
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In 1934 Thomas J. Wise was exposed as one of the most audacious literary forgers in British history. He produced and sold over 100 fraudulent first editions to book collectors and libraries across the globe, including the John Rylands Library itself. Many of Wise’s forgeries still await discovery, casting a shadow of suspicion on the countless books, pamphlets, and letters that passed through his hands.
We invite you to put on your detective hats and rediscover the fascinating history of one of Britain’s most successful forgers. This event offers a rare opportunity to view a selection of Wise’s forgeries, engage with materials related to his crimes, and to explore a lesser-known corner of the John Rylands Library’s splendid history.
Free, drop in. No need to book.
This collection encounter session will be delivered by Ellesse Patterson, an AHRC-funded PhD student at the University of Sheffield. She is currently being hosted by the John Rylands Library for a three-month research placement project. This work was supported by the Arts & Humanities Research Council (grant number AH/R012733/1) through the White Rose College of the Arts & Humanities.
Travel and Contact Information
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John Rylands Library
150 Deansgate
Manchester
Manchester
North West England
