Oxford University Press was set up in the U.K. in 1478, as part of the famous university. It went on to become the most established university publisher in the world. Its Hong Kong division was set up in Hong Kong in 1961, and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. As part of the celebration, a special exhibition is set up in Sha Tin New Town Plaza showcasing a selection of published titles and vintage editions dated several hundreds years old.

The exhibition is divided into four areas. The first area showcases over twenty items from the U.K. including the Bible, prayers book, dictionary, gold-bind poetry book and script, some dated four hundred years old. The very first twelve-volume ‘Oxford English Dictionary’ was published in 1928, and took seventy-one years to complete. The ninth volume published in 1919 and one page from its aluminum paper printing forme are on display, as well as original mould from The Netherlands dated 1690 and ‘King James Bible’ — the legendary title is still hugely influential and relevant — 257 sentences from current English language are taken from it.

Oxford University current head master Andrew Hamilton attended the opening of the exhibition. In the 19th century, ‘Oxford English Dictionary’ first edition editor James A. H. Murray ordered five thousands drawers for his studies, in order to arrange the huge amount of information collected from editors and readers. The space is also re-constructed in this exhibition. Andrew Hamilton said ‘A lot of Chinese people learn English language from “Oxford English Dictionary”, and I see us playing an important role in the next years to come. Apart from bringing the world to China through our publications, we’d also like to work on publications on Chinese culture, to bring China to the world.’

Text: iemi | Translation: dilettante
Edit: Carmen Lee
Photo: Hong
Update: 25 Apr 2011

OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD
1/F, Phase 3, New Town Plaza, Sha Tin, Hong Kong.
+852 2516 3126
Until 2 May 2011