Dulwich College’s Rare Shakespeare First Folio

Dulwich College’s First Folio and other contemporary treasures from the museum archive will feature in The Tempest and the Thames, a free exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, from Friday 31 March until Sunday 24 September 2023.

The Dulwich College First Folio, which includes all Shakespeare’s Comedies and Histories, is believed to have been passed to the College in 1686 from the estate of the actor and bookseller William Cartwright. The handwritten notes, ink and water stains and burn holes suggest these volumes were well-used before they were acquired by Dulwich College.

The two volumes contain handwritten notes, ink and water stains and burn holes, which suggest these volumes were well-used before they were acquired by Dulwich College.

Master of Dulwich College, Joe Spence said: ‘The legacy of Edward Alleyn, the school’s founder, was educational, and we are certain that sharing the Folio with as wide an audience as possible in 2023 fosters his spirit in this year of national celebration.’

See Dulwich College’s online listing here.