Folger Collections

Artistic Research Fellow, Kate Nartker, transforms weave drafts from one of our recipe books into cloth and film.

For an early April Fools’ Day treat, enjoy this selection of collection items that showcase the weird and wonderful history of early modern comedy.

In this mock exhibition catalog entry for a writing class, Gabi, an undergraduate student at GWU, takes a closer look at early modern midwifery using The Birth of Mankinde.

In this exhibition catalog entry for a writing class, Eleanor, an undergraduate student at GWU, examines a Dutch print portraying the Gunpowder Plotters and their fate.

A GWU undergraduate student shares their experience working at the Folger for their class project on Shakespeare and early modern dentistry an Art in the Age of Shakespeare course.

Henry Irving and Ellen Terry were beloved for their Shakespeare performances, whether at London’s Lyceum Theater or on tour. New additions to the Folger collection show the acclaimed artists at work and play in Victorian England.

This solution to February’s Folger Mystery looks at how editors of A Midsummer Night’s Dream have dealt with the ambiguous presence of one its fairies.

In 1789, John Boydell opened a London gallery of paintings of Shakespeare scenes. It became a sensation, transforming Shakespeare into a national icon and elevating public art. Rosie Dias and Michael Dobson discuss its rise and fall.

Lingua Latina Medica Accessabilis Facta, vel Febrem Habeo et Præscriptio Sola Campanæ Bovinæ Plus Est or Medical Latin Made Accessible, or I Have a Fever and the Only Prescription is More (of) Cow Bell. A look into John Ward’s Latin list, a glossary of the medical Latin terms used by the 17th century vicar in his diaries.

Senior Photography Associate William Davis shares his five favorite collection items in our new series: Folger Faves.

Porras, a Folger Artist Fellow, shares what inspired him, from the Folger collection to Indigenous futurism, in the creation of his new media work, de Bry’s Slipstream.

Take a look at our top five Collation posts from 2025. Thanks for a great year!