Women Furniture Historians – In Conversation

Chaired by Professor Mark Westgarth, this panel discussion will look at the extraordinary role that women furniture historians have played in the research on furniture’s history.

Three leading women furniture historians – Professor Pat Kirkham, Sarah Medlam and Adriana Turpin – will reflect on the role and impact of women furniture historians on the writing of Furniture History.

Hear about historians such as Margaret Jourdain (1876-1951) and her role as ‘ghost-writer’ of the many books ‘authored’ by the antique dealer Francis Lenygon, and Constance Simon and the influence of her early writings on Chippendale furniture.

The panel will also speak about their role as furniture historians and what it means to be a women furniture historian today.

This ‘In Conversation’ is part of the programme of events associated with the exhibition Part of the Furniture: The Library of John Bedford which runs to 21 December at Treasures of the Brotherton.

Panelists

Pat Kirkham is Professor of Design History at Kingston University.

Sarah Medlam is former Deputy Keeper of Furniture & Woodwork at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Adriana Turpin is on the Council of the Furniture History Society.

Chair

Mark Westgarth is Professor of History of the Art Market and Director of the Centre for the Study of the Art & Antiques Market in the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies, University of Leeds. He has co-curated the Part of the Furniture exhibition alongside Dr Rachel Eckersley and Rhiannon Lawrence-Francis (both from Special Collections, University of Leeds).

How to book

Book your place.

Image

Part of the Furniture exhibition at Treasures of the Brotherton, University of Leeds. Photo courtesy of Leeds University Galleries.