Exciting new exhibition celebrates Shakespeare’s women

An intriguing new exhibition celebrating Shakespeare’s women is set to open from 3 July until the end of October. The exhibition, entitled ‘Shakespeare’s Women in Art and on Stage’ will provide a unique and rare opportunity to discover some of the hidden treasures of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and Royal Shakespeare Company collections.

Shakespeare wrote some of the greatest roles ever written for women and his female characters have intrigued many for centuries. The names of Lady Macbeth, Juliet, Desdemona, Cleopatra and Ophelia are known throughout the world.

For hundreds of years artists have been inspired by Shakespeare’s women and the actors who have played them. The exhibition will showcase artworks including sculptures, paintings, photographs and stage props. Featured items include ‘The Weird Sisters’ by Henry Fuseli, a portrait of Peggy Ashcroft as Juliet in 1935, costume jewellery worn by Janet Suzman and Glenda Jackson as Cleopatra, and personal items and props used by Ellen Terry. Also included is Ophelia by contemporary artist Bryan Organ which is heavily inspired by Millais’ famous painting. Ophelia is a new acquisition by the SBT and was purchased with monies raised at a special retirement event for the previous Director of the Trust, Roger Pringle.

Delia Garratt, Head of Collections & Development at The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust stated “We are delighted to be hosting this exciting new exhibition of artworks celebrating Shakespeare’s women. Shakespeare created a wide spectrum of rich and complex female character roles ranging from the ambitious but vulnerable Lady Macbeth, to the sensual Cleopatra and doomed Ophelia of Hamlet. The exhibition will enable visitors to see and admire a unique and prized collection never seen before”.

The exhibition will take place in the Stratford Room Gallery in the Shakespeare Centre in Henley Street. The exhibition is free with admission to Shakespeare's Birthplace (standard entry charges apply).