Making History: Christian Cole, Alain Locke and Oscar Wilde at Oxford

The exhibition and events series celebrates Oxford University’s first Black African undergraduate, Christian Cole; the first African-American Rhodes scholar, and midwife to the Harlem Renaissance, Alain Locke; and the great Irish wit and dandy, Oscar Wilde. These three were undergraduates at University, Hertford and Magdalen College, respectively. By drawing these exceptional men together, the exhibition highlights the surprising shared histories of Oxford’s Queer, Black and First-Generation undergraduates. By showcasing rare archives, Making History allows the public a unique glimpse of the documents and drawings that bear witness to these remarkable young men’s lives and times. The exhibition is curated by Elizabeth Adams (University College, Oxford) and Michèle Mendelssohn (Mansfield College, Oxford) in collaboration with Daryl Green (Magdalen College, Oxford), and draws upon Michèle’s acclaimed new biography, Making Oscar Wilde.

Access for non-Magdalen visitors is by appointment during office hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).

Please email library.desk@magd.ox.ac.uk to schedule your visit. There is no fee. Members of Magdalen College may enjoy the exhibition without making an appointment.