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Boydell Shakespeare Gallery
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The Boydell Shakespeare Gallery in London was a major 18th-century art project initiated in November 1786 by engraver and publisher John Boydell to foster a school of British history painting.
Project Highlights:
- Grand Vision: Combined a dedicated London gallery on Pall Mall with an illustrated edition of William Shakespeare's plays and a folio of fine art prints.
- Prominent Artists: Works were commissioned from leading contemporary painters, including Joshua Reynolds, inside a building designed by George Dance the Younger.
- Cultural Impact: Capitalised on the 18th-century revival of Shakespeare's popularity, leaving a lasting legacy through its print folio despite financial troubles that led to its sale in 1805.