Curtain Up

What can theatre portraits tell us about performance, costume and identity, both on stage and beyond it?

The theatre world has always been part of Dulwich Picture Gallery's story. From actor and theatre-owner Edward Alleyn (1566-1626), who founded Dulwich College, to rare theatrical portraits, our Collection is host to many stars of the stage - from performers and playwrights, to costume designers and scenery painters.

Curtain Up shines a spotlight onto the hidden stories found in the art of the stage. From themes of costume and performance to queerness and gender identity, this display explores connections between paintings in the Gallery's Collection and the work of contemporary artists today.

The display is curated by Dr. Lucy West, Curator at the Gallery, with curator and writer Gemma Rolls-Bentley as Curatorial Advisor. Curtain Up is part of Dulwich Picture Gallery’s Unlocking Paintings series presenting new perspectives on the Gallery’s Collection.