Cosin's Library - Shakespeare Recovered

This year, our iconic book takes centre stage at Palace Green Library.

In December 1998, the Durham First Folio, a copy of William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies, was stolen along with six other items while on display in Cosin’s Library. For a decade, there was no news of the missing books and Durham University had to accept that the First Folio was lost. But the story didn’t end there…

In 2008, a badly damaged book was brought to the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington D.C. The book was presented to experts as a newly discovered copy of the First Folio that needed authentication for sale. Staff at the Folger quickly recognised the possibility that this book was in fact Durham’s missing copy and after verification it was returned to its rightful home on Palace Green.

This exhibition tells the story of what happened next, exploring the work of our conservation team to make the First Folio accessible again. Visit to see a rare and important cultural artefact and experience a book as you’ve never seen one before.

The damage that the book sustained during its missing years means that multiple pages can be viewed side by side, allowing details to be compared and understood. You will see how conservators have used modern-day technologies to explore the book, revealing hidden details including centuries-old doodles.

You can also step into the shoes of our team, using an interactive game to explore the various conservation options for the Folio. Hand-made replicas of the First Folio, showing how it would have looked in the 1600s will also be available for visitors to enjoy.

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL - please click on the follow link to book Shakespeare Recovered Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite