A fascinating collection of actors' portraits from Shakespeare's time are put under the spotlight with the Dulwich Picture Gallery's latest exhibition, Best of British. The exhibition places these historically significant actors' portraits alongside masterpieces from the gallery's original collection, created by its founders Noel Desenfans and Sir Francis Bourgeois. We begin with the players' portraits, donated to the gallery by actor and theatre owner Edward Alleyn, the man who founded the nearby Allyen's College of God's Gift in Dulwich. The thespian theme continues into the second room where the Cartwright Bequest of 1686 is displayed - donated by William Cartwright, also an actor. By showing important works painted by the likes of Hogarth and Gainsborough Best of British offers a fascinating insight into English notions of taste and the fashion to collect in the 19th century - opened in 1817, Dulwich Picture Gallery was the first purpose built public art gallery in the world. It also marks the launch of a new catalogue written and researched by John Ingamells - former director of the gallery - who presents a thorough account of the two hundred paintings in the gallery's permanent collection.
LECTURE Thursday 16th July, 12.30pm-1.30pm - lecture on the exhibition with the gallery's director Ian Degardin in the Linbury Room.
Art in the Garden at Dulwich
Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 7AD
23rd July - 27th August 2008
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A fascinating collection of actors' portraits from Shakespeare's time are put under the spotlight with the 
