CURIOUS things are hidden behind the doors of the Shakespeare Centre.
And on Tuesday (November 22) for one day only the centre on Henley Street will open for visitors for a rare glimpse of some of
the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s treasures and archives.
An alternative history of Stratford can also be seen in an exhibition where visitors can learn about Henry Jones’ Glyptic Museum and its cabinet of 19th century curiosities, and meet Mary Hornby the unscrupulous custodian of Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
Some of Stratford’s less savoury residents like Sir Ludovic Greville who was suspected of murdering one of his tenants, and Shakespeare’s neighbour William Wedgwood, who had a reputation for adultery, will also make an appearance.
There will also be a chance to learn about the history of Stratford’s Mop fairs, discover when elephants bathed in the Avon and see some of the more unusual Shakespearian souvenirs produced over the years.
Jessie Petheram from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said: “We are excited to open up different parts of the collections to the public in this pop-up exhibition.
“Exploring different themes enables us to display documents, objects and books which are rarely seen by the public and the variety of what we have often surprises people.
“This is also an opportunity for visitors to meet members of our team and find out more about our free Reading Room service.”
The exhibition is free to attend and runs from 10am to 3.30pm.
Visit www.shakespeare.org.uk for more information.
* PEOPLE are being encouraged to find their muse at Shakespeare’s New Place.
Working in partnership with the United Nations Board of Significant Inspiration (UNBOSI), the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust have created the Garden of Curious A-Muse-ments – an installation of light and sound.
Visitors can go on an after-dark adventure at New Place to discover the history of muse hunting and find some creative inspiration on the very site where Shakespeare found his, from December 15 to 17.
New Place manager Chloe Malendewicz said: “We wanted to close the 400th anniversary year of Shakespeare’s death with an exciting new interactive concept in tribute to Shakespeare’s creative genius.
Tickets cost £8 adults, £5 children, £20 for families. Visit www.musecatcher.org for more information.
