The British Library has reissued a reader's card in the name of Oscar Wilde, 130 years after his original was revoked due to his 1895 conviction for 'gross indecency' related to homosexual relationships, which was a criminal offense at the time.

The reissue of Wilde's library card aims to honor his memory and address past injustices, with Dame Carol Black, chair of the British Library, welcoming Merlin Holland to receive the card on Wilde's 171st birthday.

The new card will be collected by Wilde's grandson, Merlin Holland, symbolizing a recognition of the injustices Wilde faced and his enduring legacy.

Merlin Holland expressed pride and a sense of responsibility in handling his grandfather's legacy, noting Wilde's writings have provided hope during moments of despair.

Wilde's original library card was revoked following his criminal conviction, leading to his exclusion from the library's reading room.

Wilde was convicted after a libel trial against Lord Queensberry, who accused him of homosexuality; Wilde was sentenced to two years of hard labor and imprisoned for three weeks.

The British Library holds significant manuscripts of Wilde's work, including drafts of major plays and his influential letter 'De Profundis' written from prison.