Original Interview

What are you currently working on?

"I am currently working on a collection of topographical railway prints from the 1930s by the artists John Cooke Bourne and Thomas Talbot Bury. These prints were published as coloured plates in books by Ackermann & Co and due to the nature of production there are multiple versions of each image. Over time many have been taken from the books they were originally published within to be sold individually. Therefore a large part of my job is to determine which prints the museum has within their collection, their date, version and publication line, as well as establishing which prints are not a part of the collection. Furthermore, I am researching the relationship of the artist and publisher, establishing the market in which these prints may have been sold. This research will inform my dissertation."

What experiences would you say have been most useful or unexpected?

"A really useful experience has been working with a national museum and understanding the many issues and complexities regarding storage of art works and images. One of the most interesting experiences for me was witnessing the process of conservation. The museum is currently having several portraits conserved and I was able to witness the conservators compile condition reports and speak to them about the processes of the conservation of oil paintings."

Who do you work with and how does the institution make use of you?

"I mostly work with assistant curator of the image collection, Lorna Frost. We decided my research area together, ensuring that the topic would be both useful for the museum and within my interest area. On a usual day I will spend half my time compiling condition reports for the oil paintings in the art store and inputting them into the museum’s database system Mimsy. It has been great to spend so much time with the art works themselves! The rest of the day will be dedicated to my research of topographical prints. Additionally, often I will assist Lorna with various things that need to be done within the museum, for example recently I helped her safely package photographic glass plate negatives for transportation. This is something I really enjoy about working for the museum as there is always something new to learn and every day is different. Furthermore, I am able to experience all the different areas of working with a museums collection."

What do you value most about your experience with the institution?

"This experience has improved my understanding of how research can enhance collections and exhibitions, as well as realising that my research can have very real and important public outcomes. I value most the support of the museum with my research and their desire to help me get the most out of my opportunity with them."

How has your work with NRM enhanced your studies at York?

"It has been invaluable to have direction and support from the staff at the Railway Museum. They are specialists in their field and so are very knowledgable which has helped me direct and narrow my research for my dissertation. Furthermore it has been easy and enjoyable to search the museums collections and look at the works first hand whilst in the process of choosing a research area. This has helped me realise my research aims and made me feel more confidant in the process towards choosing a dissertation topic."

Do you feel it has been helpful with career planning or improved your job prospects, and if yes, how?

"This experience has definitely improved my job prospects! The experience of working alongside a national collection is invaluable and has provided a practical element to my academic work, which many jobs now require. I have learnt valuable skills such as working with the database Mimsy and how to compile condition reports. Furthermore, I have a much better knowledge of the types of jobs roles which are within a museum."

Would you recommend it to future students?

"I would definitely recommend this to future students. It has been so beneficial for me to have another element to my masters degree. I am always thankful for having responsibilities and duties separate from my reading and research as sometimes you need a break from the library and reading!"

What happened next?

February 2015:

"After graduating from the University of York I worked as an intern in a strategic communications agency for the art, design and luxury sectors, and have been lucky enough to secure a permanent job from this internship. Within this role I work closely with both commercial galleries and public museums, as well as international art fairs. My partnership at the National Railway Museum has helped me understand how museums and public art institutions work from the inside, and has been invaluable in shaping how I approach campaigns for the museums I now work with."