The Methuen Shakespeare Exhibition at The Globe Theatre

The Methuen Shakespeare – A Shakespeare Exhibition at The Globe Theatre in London

You might have seen me jumping up and down about having a Shakespeare Exhibition at The Globe Theatre in London.  It’s true, my work is being exhibited there for the whole summer!  “What’s that all about?” I hear you cry.  Here’s the story.

Since the beginning of 2014 I’ve been working with a team of extraordinary people.  The project is unique and exciting.  An artefact of great historical significance is at its centre and the creator is one Judy Methuen.

Judy is an artist of the highest standing, based just outside Stratford-Upon-Avon.  Her daughter Sarah Methuen is the driving force behind the project.  She asked me to get involved on the photography side.

So what is The Methuen Shakespeare?

The Cobbe Portrait (belonging to the Cobbe family) was discovered in 2006 and is argued to be the only portrait Shakespeare actually sat for.  This makes it the closest evidence we have as to the true face of William Shakespeare.  Skip forward a few years and Judy Methuen noticed in her ancient family tree a Methuen married a Cobbe.  This possible connection between descendants sparked Judy’s imagination.  She has always been fascinated by Shakespeare and more recently the Cobbe portrait.  As a highly skilled sculptor she felt it only right to create a bust of William, with proportions and detail taken directly from the Cobbe Portrait.

“If the Cobbe Portrait is the closest thing we have to a photograph of Shakespeare then the Methuen Shakespeare is our first chance to meet him.”

I followed Judy’s progress as she created the bust.  I came into the project to photograph the clay sculpts and followed them on their journey to Red Temple Foundry in Birmingham.  Jim at Red Temple carefully and lovingly created the bronze over a number of weeks.  I was lucky enough to photograph every stage of the process.

Once the first bust was ‘born’ Judy proudly presented it to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford-Upon-Avon where it can be seen on exhibition there permanently.

I was honoured to accompany Sarah Methuen and the second bronze to The King Edward School in Stratford-Upon-Avon.  There we ensconced ourselves in William Shakespeare’s classroom to create some fabulous images of the bust.  The common room was a superb location too, the huge table bearing the scars of many a school boy’s graffiti exploits.

The Methuen Shakespeare is now creating a storm in the Shakespearean world and interest has really gathered momentum.  Before we knew it The Globe Theatre on the banks of the River Thames in London had given us a whole summer’s exhibition space.  We installed the exhibition this month.  Another bronze bust takes centre stage accompanied by my images.  We also have an entire display cabinet filled with artefacts that give you an insight into Judy Methuen’s world.  Here in this cabinet sits a fabulous painted bust observed by hundreds of Shakespeare enthusiasts passing daily through the theatre’s exhibition space.

We’re having a wonderful VIP invitation only launch at The Globe this weekend.  Judy will be forced to bask in the limelight of her glory while we clasp our hands under our chins with huge pride.

If you get a chance to visit The Shakespeare Exhibition at The Globe Theatre in London this summer have a look at our wonderful display and let me know what you think!

To find out more about the Judy and the Methuen Shakespeare please visit the website

To see more of my own artwork you can visit my ART page.

Judy carefully adds the final touches to the clays

Judy’s Magical Workshop

The wax head ready for the mold.  And a banana.  At Red Temple Foundry, Birmingham.

Back in the common room.  The bust sits on the graffiti covered table at The King Edward School, Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Sarah Methuen carefully arranges the bust in its new home for the summer, The Globe Theatre

My photos on display in the ACTUAL GLOBE! Goodness me.

Our display cabinet at the exhibition.  Lots of my photos, Judy Methuen’s artefacts and precious things. At the centre is Judy’s fantastic Methuen Shakespeare painted bust.

The queue to get into the Globe exhibition on the open day stretches right down to the Tate.

In the Royal Box. Where else?

Will and I enjoying the show.  We do seem to be watching two different performances.