Everyone at the Shakespeare Institute is thrilled that the most eminent member of our research community, former Director Professor Stanley Wells, has at last been granted the knighthood his services to the study and appreciation of Shakespeare have so long deserved.

Stanley’s contribution to the Shakespeare Institute have been life-long: he studied for his PhD here, served for many years as a Fellow, and later – after a secondment to Oxford to prepare the ground-breaking Oxford edition of Shakespeare -- became Director.  It was under Sir Stanley’s leadership that the Shakespeare Institute acquired its superb Johnson Library here at Mason Croft, thereby re-establishing itself permanently in Stratford.  

Though now based at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Sir Stanley remains a regular guest teacher on the Institute’s MA courses and a frequent attendee at our famous Thursday seminars.  We are even prouder of him than ever.

Sir Stanley Wells (left) in conversation with Professor John Jowett at the Shakespeare Institute's 60th anniversary celebrations

Sir Stanley Wells in conversation with Professor John Jowett