Art Historian/Researcher & Writer

Personal summary

In 2015, I embarked on a mid-life intellectual journey, transitioning from unskilled manual work to academia. Through determination and mental resilience, I have since attained a BA (Hons) in Art History and an MA in Heritage Studies. My scholarly pursuits have not only enriched my mind but also significantly bolstered my contributions within the cultural heritage sector, including a notable association with the National Portrait Gallery. Before diving into academia, I developed a courteous and professional attitude through my experiences in retail merchandising and customer service. These roles provided me with valuable life skills and a unique perspective that seamlessly translate into my writing. My creative and journalistic talents have been praised by lecturers and peers, fortifying my confidence and competence. This solid foundation has propelled my scholastic achievements and equipped me with the tools to deliver exceptional content as a freelance writer. Beyond the academic sphere, my passion for popular music from the late 1970s and 1980s has led to an encyclopedic knowledge of vinyl record collecting. This deep interest, encompassing songs, artists, record labels, producers, remixes, and artwork appreciation, adds a distinctive flair to my writing. As a versatile and dependable freelance writer, I am eager to contribute to a wide array of projects. Despite my limited experience in the industry, I am open to working at a competitive rate and am enthusiastic about building my portfolio. I invite potential clients and employers to review my writing examples, which include articles and journalistic pieces, as a testament to my capabilities. Academic Skills: • MA in Arts Management and Heritage Studies from the University of Leeds (2020-2022), where I achieved a Merit. My dissertation focused on the patronage and influence of Charles Watson Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham. • BA in History of Art from the University of Leeds (2017-2020), where I achieved a 2.1. My dissertation explored the establishment of an art collection at Wentworth Woodhouse. • Access Course in Arts and Humanities from the Open University (2016), where I achieved a Distinction. • Developed skills in journalistic writing, research and analysis, project management, and digital skills through my academic journey. Volunteering Skills: • As a Conservation Team Volunteer at the National Portrait Gallery, London (2023-Present), I have carried out cleaning tasks of frames and glazing and applied up-to-date techniques required in the preservation of priceless paintings and sculptures. • As a Research Team Member at the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (2018-Ongoing), I have instigated and planned primary and secondary research on the Wentworth-Fitzwilliam art collection, coordinated and prioritized tasks with the research team, leading to successful exhibition proposals. • As a Project Team Member at Hyde Park Picture House (2022), I researched archival collections, developed a comprehensive database, and proposed community engagement strategies. • As an Archive Cataloging Volunteer at Sheffield Museums (2016-2017), I investigated primary and secondary sources to develop information on artifacts undergoing digitization and documented and archived the ceramics collection on a digital system.

Skills

Art research10 Author / Writer10 Historicization10 Journalism7 Music30