Join Dowland’s Foundry in the Old Library at Magdalen College, Oxford, for a filmed series exploring the music and legacy of John Dowland (1563-1626).

Created in partnership with Magdalen College, Oxford, this four-part series centres on an original print of John Dowland’s first three books of songs, held in the college’s historic library. Printed in the early 1600s, these volumes are laid out in a rare table format, with each vocal line facing a different direction on the page. Intended so that performers could sit around a table and read from the same score, the format speaks to the domestic, collaborative nature of this music – designed to be played and shared at close quarters.

The opening film features an interview with Dr Lucy Gwynn, Librarian at Magdalen, and Sam Brown, lutenist and member of Dowland’s Foundry, introducing the collection and reflecting on its musical and historical significance.

▶

Three further films present Dowland’s Foundry performing songs from each book, much like they would have been performed originally:

▶

^{Dowland, ‘My thoughts are wing’d with hopes’ from Songs and Ayres (1600), Book 1}

▶

^{Dowland, ‘Flow my tears’ from Songs and Ayres (1600), Book 2}

▶

^{Dowland, ‘It was a time when silly bees could speak’ from Songs and Ayres (1600), Book 3}

Dowland’s Foundry is a vocal and instrumental ensemble bringing lute-song to life and exploring the music of John Dowland and his contemporaries. The videos feature Gwendolen Martin (soprano), Clemmie Franks (alto), Daniel Thomson (tenor), Timothy Dickinson (bass), and Sam Brown (lute).

Their work brings together detailed historical insight with a direct and communicative performance style - aiming to recreate lute-song in modern domestic settings. This series was filmed by Tom Mungall, capturing the beauty of this stunning original print.

Follow Dowland’s Foundry and their informative, historical channel on TikTok and Instagram as they are gearing up for a busy 2026 schedule commemorating 400 years since the death or their namesake composer: John Dowland. There will also be an opportunity to hear them live at the Stoke Newington Early Music Festival in a concert at The Old Church on 6 February 2026.