Join us for a museum talk with Dr Tom Rutter to learn more about one of the foremost English dramatists, Ben Jonson (1572-1637).
Tom will offer a brief introduction to the life and work of Ben Jonson, before discussing some of Jonson’s connections with the Cavendish family, including the entertainment written to welcome King Charles to Welbeck on his 1633 journey to Scotland.
This portrait of Jonson is currently on display as part of Unseen Treasures. It was part of the collection of Edward Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford, one of the great 18th-century collectors and bibliophiles.
Said to be the writer Ben Jonson (1573 – 1637). Artist Unknown, after Abraham van Blyenberch. © Harley Foundation, The Portland Collection
Dr Tom Rutter
Dr Tom Rutter is Senior Lecturer in Shakespeare and Renaissance Drama at the University of Sheffield, and has published widely on topics ranging from Shakespearean acting companies to early modern meteorology. A Companion to the Cavendishes, which he co-edited with Prof. Lisa Hopkins, was published in 2020.
Top image: Said to be the writer Ben Jonson. Artist Unknown, after Abraham van Blyenberch. © Harley Foundation, The Portland Collection (detail).
