We don't know the precise date on which William Shakespeare was born. There is, however, a church record showing that he was baptized on 26 April 1564. He was probably born a couple (or a few) days earlier. 23 April has become a popular birth date speculation—which also happens to be the day he died in 1616.
Although Shakespeare's first days are shrouded in mystery, his works—poetry, sonnets and plays—are famously the most important body of work written in the English language. Through the astounding range of plays, characters and dramatic situations he crafted, Shakespeare distilled the essence of what it means to be a human—plays, characters and human situations which still resonate today.
This pair of cast iron bookends, made by Bradley & Hubbard in the Twenties, present a handsome sculpted bust of the Great Bard of Stratford-on-Avon. Click on the photo to learn more about them.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248