SoGS Historical and Cultural Research Group meet-ups, 2021/22
Abstract
The Group has a wide-ranging historical focus from the ancient and medieval periods up to the late twentieth century. Geographically, its interests are centred on Britain and Ireland, Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean. However, concerns with diaspora, travel and exploration mean that studies include considerations of places much further afield, such as the Americas, Australia and Antarctica.
These meetings are intended to provide an informal space to present, discuss and receive feedback on emergent work. We are especially keen that it be a place for post-graduates to present their work, lead discussions and receive constructive feedback beyond that provided by supervisors.
This first meeting will be on 19th October, 13:00-14:00 in Seminar Romm 1. this will be catch-up session in which we can discuss how we would like to organise, run, and timetable these sessions for the rest of the academic year.
For the rest of term we would meet Tuesdays 1-2pm bi-weekly.
The dates for the rest of term are:
- 2nd Nov - discussion lead: Merle Patchett - Fashion’s Earthly Histories: Animal, Vegetal, Synthetic
The fashion industry, with its energy- and resource-intensive manufacturing and mountains of waste, has dramatic environmental impacts on soils and seas, flora and fauna, air and climate. In February 2019, The UK Government’s publication ‘Fixing Fashion’ concluded that urgent action needed to be taken to stop the production of clothes that literally “cost the earth”. My project takes part in that action by conceptualizing and publicly communicating the importance of fashion’s close and real relation to the geo (earth) and the earthly powers and labours that produce it. Through an innovative object-led approach, and working closely with the Fashion Museum, Bath, the project will trace and showcase fashion’s animal, vegetal and synthetic geohistories. The project will produce a major research monograph, a two-day symposium and an online exhibition that will invite academic and public audiences to think critically and care about the earthly origins and impacts of their clothes.
Reading: Russell E. (2017) Spinning their way into history: Silkworms, mulberries and manufacturing landscapes in China. Global Environment 10(1):21-53.
16th Nov - discussion lead: Mark Jackson
30th Nov - discussion lead: Leslie Gonzalez Lazcano
14th Dec - Christmas merriment (this might be an afternoon/evening session - tbc)
If you would like to get the invite into your calendar, or would like to be part of this group in the future then please email Merle Patchett and we’ll put you on the HCRG email list to avoid cluttering peoples' calendars unnecessarily.
Lenka Hasova
Human Geography PhD student
My dissertation looks at the use of Spatial Interaction Models and their spatial structure. I love coding in Python and R, and in a spare time, I make my own clothes.