New Exhibition
January 20 – March 27, 2016
Exhibition Highlights
- the only surviving copy of the first edition of the first Shakespeare play to be printed, Titus Andronicus
- Shakespeare's copy of the bargain and sale for his purchase of a residence in Blackfriars near the winter theater of the King's Men
- Shakespeare's copy of the final concord for his purchase of New Place in Stratford-upon-Avon
- the draft "letters patent" authorizing a coat of arms for Shakespeare's father, and subsequently Shakespeare
- a fragment of a bookseller's list which includes one of Shakespeare's "lost" plays, Love's Labor’s Won
- a section of a play thought to be in Shakespeare's own handwriting
- the only surviving letter written to Shakespeare
- the earliest references to Shakespeare as a playwright and a poet
Four interactive touchscreen experiences provide further opportunities to learn about Shakespeare’s life and world, as does a related website, Shakespeare Documented, www.shakespearedocumented.org, details below.
The Folger’s historic Great Hall has been transformed for this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition. An animated ceiling installation reflects on themes within Shakespeare’s life and work, magically weaving texts, patterns, and manuscripts into the historic strapwork ornamentation, while on ground level, a striking red steel framework provides a series of alcoves in which to view the exhibition’s treasures.
Shakespeare, Life of an Icon exhibition items are drawn from the Folger Shakespeare Library collection, and loans from the Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford; British Library; Kings, Heralds, and Pursuivants of Arms; the London Metropolitan Archives; The National Archives, UK; University of Edinburgh; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Shakespeare Birthplace Trust; and The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers.
Selected items from Shakespeare, Life of an Icon will travel to London in the spring for the British Library exhibition, Shakespeare in Ten Acts (April 15 – September 6, 2016).
ABOUT THE CURATOR
Heather Wolfe is curator of manuscripts at the Folger Shakespeare Library and holds a Ph.D. in English literature from the University of Cambridge. She has curated numerous Folger exhibitions and has written widely on early modern manuscripts and the intersections between print and manuscript. She has edited The Trevelyon Miscellany of 1608 (2007), The Literary Career and Legacy of Elizabeth Cary (2007), Letterwriting in Renaissance England (2004), an exhibition catalog co-written with Alan Stewart, and Elizabeth Cary, Lady Falkland: Life and Letters (2001). She is principal investigator for EMMO (Early Modern Manuscripts Online), an IMLS-funded Folger initiative to create a free and searchable database of images and transcriptions of early modern manuscripts created in England or written in English.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Shakespeare Documented
This free and publicly-accessible online exhibition, launching January 20, will include images, descriptions, and transcriptions of all known documentary, manuscript, and printed references and allusions to Shakespeare, his works, and additional references to his family, during their lifetimes and shortly thereafter. Nearly 500 references, found in roughly 400 print and manuscript documents contributed by over 30 partner institutions, will provide a rich portrait of Shakespeare as a professional playwright, actor, poet, business man, and family man who lived in both London and Stratford-upon-Avon, tracing his path from a man of his time to a household name.
RELATED FOLGER PROGRAMS
“Dig for Shakespeare”: New Place Revealed
Monday, Feb 22, 7:30pm. $15/$10 for members
Dr. Diana Owen, Director of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, and Dr. Kevin Colls, Archaeological Project Manager, University of Staffordshire, present a special lecture on their findings at Shakespeare's home. For the first time ever, the site of Shakespeare’s family home in Stratford upon Avon has been uncovered by a seven-year archaeological investigation. Join us to learn about the fascinating discoveries that have been made, what they tell us about Shakespeare’s life in Stratford and how the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is re-presenting New Place for today’s generation to enjoy.
Folger Family Programs
Recommended for ages 5–14
Living the Shakespeare Life
Saturday, Feb 6; 10-11am (ages 5-7), 11am-12pm (ages 8-14). Free. Registration required.
2016 is a big year for Shakespeare – it’s the 400th anniversary of his death! Learn all about Shakespeare’s life, from Stratford-Upon-Avon to London, and find out how the world’s greatest playwright lived.
Merry Women of Shakespeare
Saturday, Mar 5; 10-11am (ages 5-7), 11am-12pm (ages 8-14). Free. Registration required.
Are you a fan of Beatrice or Ophelia? What about Viola, Juliet, or Kate? In honor of Women’s History Month, explore your favorite heroines from the works of Shakespeare.
VISITOR SERVICES
ABOUT THE FOLGER
Folger Shakespeare Library is the world’s largest Shakespeare collection, the ultimate resource for exploring Shakespeare and his world. The Folger welcomes millions of visitors online and in person. We provide unparalleled access to a huge array of resources, from original sources to modern interpretations. With the Folger, you can experience the power of performance, the wonder of exhibitions, and the excitement of pathbreaking research. We offer the opportunity to see and even work with early modern sources, driving discovery and transforming education for students of all ages. Join us online, on the road, or in Washington, DC. More at www.folger.edu
Throughout 2016, the Folger Shakespeare Library is celebrating 400 years of Shakespeare with The Wonder of Will, including exhibitions, performances, special events, and more—at the Folger, online, and across the United States. Learn more about The Wonder of Will at www.wonderofwill.folger.edu