Dorothy
- From:York, UK
- Studying: PhD in History of Art (part-time)
- Funding: Self-funded
- Supervision: Dr Sarah Turner
What are you working on?
"British military painting between 1850 and 1917."
What has been the most fascinating part of your research so far, and why?
"Travelling around to different archives and museums where you are constantly meeting people from a completely different walk of life."
What background do you come to your PhD from and what made you choose your research area?
"I am a lawyer originally, and I think it’s more the case that the subject chose me. I looked at a particular war memorial for my MA as it was local, and my reading then led me onto this project."
Why York rather than somewhere else?
"I live here, used to work here and my husband was one of the first students here."
How has your experience at York broadened your horizons as an art historian?
"I had no horizons as an art historian before."
Do you find there’s a strong group atmosphere among the students?
"I have always found the other students welcoming."
Have you undertaken any interesting research trips?
"Several, I have been to regimental museums, to a Benedictine monastery/school, to the stores in the Tate, Buckingham Palace, the Walker Art Gallery, to Falkland Palace and to the home of the Meynell family where I spent three days going through the family archives."
Are you involved in any society or community-based activity in York outside your studies?
"Yes, too many to mention really. I am on approximately 8 committees: chair of Friends of York Art gallery, member of the HYMS fitness to practice committee, trustee of a children’s mentoring charity, belong to the local gym, visit York hospital as a member of Pals, student member of YPS, and school governor."
What do you feel is the most important thing you will take away from your experience at York?
"Broadening of knowledge and learning things I did not know I did not know!"
