The trustees of Shakespeare's Birthplace are sponsoring an oificial medal to commemorate the four hundredth anniversary of Shakespeare's birth in 1964. The medal was designed by eminent medallic sculptor, Paul Vincze, F. R. B. S.

Since the first Shakespeare festival at Stratford-upon-Avon in 1769, Shakespeare medals have been produced to mark each successive major festival occasion. The portrait of Shakespeare on the 1964 medal is not based on any particular representation of the poet but was conceived by the sculptor after studying several of the well known portraits, including the engraving in the First Folio and the bust in Stratford Parish Church. The reverse is an allegorical scene showing one of the Muses holding the masks of comedy and tragedy, with a kneeling figure symbolizing the new generation holding a torch and a volume representing the works of Shakespeare.

To Canadian's Vincze is probably best known for his 1959 medal of Montcalm and Wolfe commemorating the bicentenary of the capture of Quebec.

Vincze Honored For Shakespeare Medal - In keeping with his career of designing and executing outstanding medals, Paul Vincze, British medalist, has recently been awarded the Paris Salon's coveted silver medal in recognition of his Shakespeare 400th anniversary birthyear medal. The latter has been widely acclaimed throughout the world. A spokesman for the Shakespeare Birthday Trust said of the Paris recognition "We are very pleased indeed that Mr. Vincze has gained this award. It is quite a striking achievement.