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Folger Shakespeare Library Unveils a New Exhibition

The Folger Shakespeare Library is set to launch a captivating exhibition titled Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era, which will debut on October 4, 2025. This exhibition promises to offer a unique insight into the intricate ways Shakespeare's works were perceived and showcased during a significant cultural period in British history.

A Historic Presentation of Art

This exhibition highlights fourteen exquisite paintings from the Folger's vast collection, which were originally part of the prestigious Boydell Shakespeare Gallery in London. Remarkably, this will be the first time these works are seen together since the gallery closed its doors in 1805, allowing the public to experience pivotal scenes from Shakespeare’s plays while also reflecting on the playwright’s evolution into a cultural symbol throughout the 18th century.

Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper, the director of the Folger, emphasizes the complexity of Shakespeare's legacy. She stated, “The reception of Shakespeare has a complex, and at times, difficult history. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to illustrate for our audiences how Shakespeare was placed upon a pedestal a century or more after his death.” This initiative aims to connect with audiences and provide a lens into how Shakespeare's status was carefully constructed during the British Imperial era.

Enriching the Narrative Through Art

Significantly, this exhibition showcases a blend of artistic fervor, commercial initiatives, and nationalism, exemplified by the efforts of publisher John Boydell (1720–1804). Boydell ambitiously commissioned prominent British artists of the Regency era to render dramatic scenes from Shakespeare's plays. These artistic endeavors not only positioned Shakespeare as an enduring national icon but also facilitated his promotion as a critical cultural export of the British Empire.

The exhibition at the Folger draws from the gallery's original salon-style display and pays homage to the historical layout of the Boydell Gallery, which first opened in 1789 at the fashionable location of 52 Pall Mall. The gallery initially showcased thirty-four paintings spanning over 21 of Shakespeare’s plays, with over 160 pieces by 1802, marking it as a pivotal collection of Shakespearean art.

Among the artworks featured in Imagining Shakespeare are scenes from beloved plays such as The Taming of the Shrew, Twelfth Night, and King Lear. A notable highlight is a large-format depiction from the final act of Romeo and Juliet created by James Northcote, specially moved from the Folger’s Reading Room for this exhibition. Another compelling piece, The Infant Shakespeare Attended by Nature and the Passions by George Romney, presents a narrative of Shakespeare as a “native genius” from the start of his life.

Alongside the stunning paintings, original engravings from the earlier Boydell Gallery will be displayed on a rotating basis throughout the exhibition. This diverse array of visual materials aims to engage visitors in an expansive dialogue about Shakespeare's impact on culture and the arts.

Visitor Information

Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era will be accessible in the Stuart and Mimi Rose Rare Book and Manuscript Exhibition Hall until August 2, 2026. The Folger Shakespeare Library, located at 201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003, invites visitors to explore this exhibition from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours until 9 PM every Friday. Admission is complimentary, with a suggested donation of $15. Timed-entry passes can also be reserved for visitors.

In addition, the Folger plans to host a variety of related events and discussions, which will be detailed on their website as the opening date approaches. For further information, check out folger.edu/boydell.

About Folger Shakespeare Library

The Folger Shakespeare Library is dedicated to making the world of Shakespeare and his literary legacy accessible to all. This prominent institution not only houses the largest collection of Shakespeare's works but also engages the public through interactive exhibitions, thrilling performances, and innovative educational programs. With a mission to foster creativity and conversation in the arts and humanities, the Folger welcomes diverse audiences, from local communities in Washington, D.C. to global visitors eager to connect with Shakespeare's timeless stories.

For more details about the Folger Shakespeare Library and its offerings, visit www.folger.edu.