Oscar Wilde key sells for £15,000 ahead of April exhibition
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The key to Oscar Wilde’s jail cell has been sold for £15,000 – three times its estimated value.
The key, used to unlock the Reading Gaol cell occupied by Wilde between 1895-1897, was auctioned in London yesterday by Sotheby’s, who expected it to sell for £4,000-6000.
Meanwhile, the author’s jail cell door is set to be exhibited alongside a full-length portrait of a 27-year-old Wilde at London’s Tate Britain in its Queer British Art 1861-1967 show.
The gallery’s director, Alex Farquharson, said: “It’s an extraordinary image of Wilde on the brink of fame, before imprisonment destroyed his health and reputation.
“Viewing it next to the door of his jail cell will be a powerful experience that captures the triumph and tragedy of his career.”
The exhibition will open in April 2017.
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