Performance, costume and identity in theatrical portraiture
Dulwich Picture Gallery presents Curtain Up!, a one-room display re-examining performance, costume and identity in theatrical portraiture and the Gallery’s historic connection to the theatre world.
Curated in collaboration with writer and curator Gemma Rolls-Bentley (author of Queer Art, 2026 and Queer Art: from canvas to club, and the spaces between, 2024), the display considers connections between historic paintings in the Gallery’s Collection and the work of contemporary artists today, demonstrating how theatre has shaped visual culture across centuries.
Theatre has long been woven into the Gallery’s own history, starting with actor and theatre owner Edward Alleyn (1566–1626) who founded Dulwich College and whose rare painting collection remains among the Gallery’s holdings. Today, performers, playwrights, celebrities and set designers continue to line the Gallery’s walls – from William Shakespeare’s friends and rivals, to the tragic actor Sarah Siddons and the musical Linley family.
Curtain Up! is part of the Gallery’s ‘Unlocking Paintings’ series of displays which present new perspectives on historic works. It also builds on the Gallery’s ‘Out of Frame’ programming, funded by Southwark Council, which explores LGBTQIA+ stories in the Collection. From 17th-century London and 18th-century Paris, to today, the display will explore how the theatre world has created important spaces for queer communities to connect.
Throughout history, theatre has empowered people to express themselves, n identity and find their place in the world. Contemporary works by artists Rene Matić, Lulu Bennett and Sin Wai Kin will feature in dialogue with the Gallery’s historic theatrical paintings, revealing stories of self-expression, human connection and resilience through themes of performance, costume, queerness and gender identity.
Lucy West, Curator at Dulwich Picture Gallery and of Curtain Up!, said: “Dating to the time of Edward Alleyn and William Shakespeare, our earliest theatre paintings at Dulwich Picture Gallery were some of the first – and rarest – works to enter our Collection. Yet, despite their age, this display shows that there is always new research to be done on our paintings; research that often finds echoes in our contemporary world today. In collaboration with Gemma Rolls-Bentley, we have been able to bring to life some of the spaces where queer communities connected in the historic theatre world – developing new understandings of our Collection, which we hope to continue to grow and enrich.”
Gemma Rolls-Bentley, Curatorial Advisor of Curtain Up!, said: “I’m thrilled to have collaborated with Dulwich Picture Gallery on their new display, Curtain Up!. The history of visual art and performance is full of examples of queer creativity that push the boundaries of social convention. This display reframes the Collection, inviting audiences to see familiar works through a new lens, revealing hidden narratives in historic paintings and how they are echoed in the work of queer artists today.
Art and culture have long been a vital way for individuals – both makers and audiences – to make sense of their own identities. In light of the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community around the world, it feels more important than ever to platform a lively conversation connecting themes of bold costume and performance to queerness and gender identity.”
Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, London, SE21 7AD until 25th October.
Booking and full details: dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
