Durham’s First Folio on Display in Durham University’s Cosin’s Library for Shakespeare Recovered Event Until April 2026

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Known as the library’s ‘iconic’ book, Durham’s First Folio will be the star attraction for people to witness on a seven-week display cycle at Durham’s historic, Grade II* listed Bishop Cosin’s Library, Durham University, up until the end of April 2026. The First Folio will be on view from Wednesdays to Saturdays.

What is Shakespeare’s First Folio?

Originally published in 1623, Shakespeare’s First Folio is considered one of the most influential books in literary history. It contains 36 of his plays and is the earliest reliable source for many of them, 18 of which had never been printed before, including The Tempest, Twelfth Night, Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, Macbeth, The Taming of the Shrew, and Measure for Measure, among others.

The twist is that the Durham First Folio, which is a particularly notable copy, was stolen in 1998 along with six other items. After a decade of no news on the missing treasure, the University had to accept it was gone. However, in 2008, staff at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, realised that a badly damaged book brought to them for assessment was Durham’s missing copy. After verification, it was returned to Palace Green in 2010.

Doodles and Details

Due to the damage it sustained during its decade-long disappearance, and having remained in Durham since the 1620s, pages from the First Folio can be viewed side by side, allowing them to be compared and examined in intricate detail. This enables visitors to view something truly unique, which may prove inspiring for writers and literature fans alike.

Further aspects of the experience include the opportunity to view early doodles and other hidden details using modern technology. This blend of old and new reflects the innovative nature of the exhibition, as well as the library’s reopening in 2022 following extensive works, including roof repairs and the creation of new exhibition spaces.

Following the First Folio’s return in 2010, Richard Kuhta of the Folger Shakespeare Library, who examined the volume, told the BBC that “it’s not just a book, it’s a cultural legacy that has been damaged, brutalised, mutilated.” He added that the damage was “irreparable”. Nearly sixteen years on, the continued study and display of the First Folio highlights its ongoing significance and reflects the level of care the library has long shown—and continues to show—towards its collections.

The irreparable damage has been noted due to the original goatskin binding having been deliberately cut to hide the First Folio’s identity, alongside missing pages, and the removal of the engraved portrait of William Shakespeare from the frontispiece. To show how the First Folio would have appeared in the 1600s, handmade replicas will also be available for visitors to view.

As people of all ages are welcome, the exhibition offers an accessible introduction to Shakespeare’s work and the history surrounding this remarkable volume. It also provides an opportunity for visitors to engage with one of the most significant books in English literary history.

Further information about the Event

Visitors will have the opportunity to step into the shoes of conservation staff by exploring preservation options for the First Folio through an interactive game, offering insight into the challenges involved in caring for historic materials. Booking is strongly advised due to the library’s limited capacity. You can check availability and book on the Eventbrite Shakespeare Recovered event page.

Booking slots run in approximately 30-minute intervals, and visitors are encouraged to select their preferred time carefully when planning their visit. Access to the First Folio display within Bishop Cosin’s Library is via steps only, and due to the historic nature of the building, large bags will not be permitted inside. Entry to the exhibition is free and open to visitors of all ages.

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