Sophie
- From: Derbyshire, UK
- Studying: PhD in History of Art (full-time)
- Funding: Self-funded
- Supervision: Dr Cordula van Wyhe
What are your research interests / what are you working on?
"My current research concerns the visuality and materiality of armour during the sixteenth-century and how these objects were instrumental in the fashioning of a specific mode of British masculinity during this period. My thesis focuses on examples of armour worn by key figures of the Elizabethan court and their visual representations; considering armour as a cultural signifier of masculinity, identity and status.
More generally, my research interests include (but are by no means limited to) British arms and armour, sixteenth- and seventeenth-century dress, modes of masculinity, material culture, portraiture and the aesthetics of the body."
How do you find the research facilities at York?
"The excellent research facilities provided by the university were a key factor in my decision to continue my studies at York. The university library holds an impressive and broad collection of literature, easily accessed via the online catalogue. The access to and extensive range of online journals has also proved invaluable to my studies.
The postgraduate study space in the Humanities Research Centre is a great place to work in, both for private study and collaborative projects. It’s great to be able to have access to such a fantastic building for studying and as a place to hold academic events."
What background do you come to your PhD from and what made you choose your research area?
"I completed both my BA and MA in History of Art at York and after working with the National Trust for a year, I decided I missed academia and returned to study for my PhD.
Whilst I was working at Hardwick Hall, I used to pass a display of armour on the way to my office and started thinking about how and if these objects had been discussed art-historically. It turned out there was a huge lacuna in this line of research and I thought it might make a great research project! Also, as part of my MA dissertation, I was looking at the military uniforms in Sir Joshua Reynolds’ paintings and how they contributed to a particular mode of masculinity, so this played a part too."
Why York rather than somewhere else?
"I loved doing my BA and MA here so when I decided to do a PhD, returning to York seemed like the obvious choice!"
How has your experience at York broadened your horizons as an art historian?
"Being at York and attending departmental events has put me in direct contact with some leading scholars and encouraged me to think more broadly about the discipline. I’ve also had the chance to meet other students who share my research interests and this has led to some exciting collaborative events including a three-day dress history conference to be held in York this May."
Have you undertaken any interesting research trips?
"Most of my research takes place at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, so it’s just down the road. This April I will be travelling a little further afield to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. I’ll be taking a look at the Department of Arms and Armour collection and doing some archival research in the Thomas J. Watson and Nolen libraries."
Are you involved in any society or community-based activity in York outside your studies?
"When I started my PhD in York I took up rowing and was on the Senior Women’s team with the University of York Boat Club. The 5.30 Yorkshire winter morning starts were pretty horrific, but it was great to take a break from the books and get out on the water."
Do you have an idea of how you’ll use your PhD/plans for the future?
"I’m still trying to work this one out! Ideally I’d like to carry on my research in some capacity and I’d love to work as an historical consultant for film and TV."
