About

Art history has a reputation for being intimidating or elitist. It’s often seen as something reserved for specialists, academics or people who already know the “right” artists and terminology. I don’t think that’s true.

This website exists to explore art history as a subject that belongs to everyone. Whether you’re completely new to the discipline, a seasoned professional, returning to it after years away, or simply curious about why a painting, sculpture or building matters, I hope you’ll find something here that sparks your interest.

I’m currently studying for an MA in Art History alongside my work in education. My background is in SEND, teaching art (accidentally), leading Trust learning and development, and working increasingly closely with our local Cultural Education Partnership to help schools and young people engage with art in different ways.

Beginning formal academic study in an entirely new field has been both exciting and daunting. I’ve discovered just how vast, complex and interconnected art history really is, and I’m loving the process of exploring it.

This is a place for me to continue learning alongside university modules: to ask questions, share research, explore all those rabbit holes I’m going down and reflect on ideas. There are articles ranging from close looks at individual works to broader themes, prompts to start thinking about art, and things I’ve simply found interesting. Sometimes I’ll write more formally because I need to practise that, and sometimes I’ll be finding my own voice. One of my aims is to make art history feel more accessible. I don’t think anyone needs to recognise every famous painting or speak in academic language to enjoy looking at art or thinking about it.

This has started as a space for me to keep thinking, and if something here encourages others to look more closely, visit a gallery, read a little further, or see a familiar artwork in a new light, then that is a wonderful extra.