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Portrait of a man in a white shirt with long dark hair, moustache and a pearl earring in his left ear.

On display

Curtain Up!

19 May - 25 Oct 2026

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.

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Included with your Gallery admission ticket.

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Portrait of a man wearing a white silk shirt with intricate black patterns. He has shoulder length dark hair and wears a hanging pearl earring in his left ear.
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Portrait of a man with white wig, orange jacket and white shirt leaning on a table looking out to the right.
Portrait of a woman with a flowing dress with floral pattern holding a basket which she is pulling cherries from while looking out at the viewer.
Dementia Friendly Creative Conversations
People observe framed portraits in an art gallery with blue walls and wooden paneling. Some individuals stand closely examining the artworks.
Accessible event

Dementia Friendly Creative Conversations

Second Thursday of the month
Our dementia friendly Creative Conversation sessions invite you to take notice, be curious and discuss!
Free More info

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