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Paul Wilson

Profile

I am a Lecturer in the School of Design whose research explores the intersections of language, landscape, community and communication and has a particular focus on typography, typographic design and the cultural impacts of technologies of linguistic production. I am particularly interested in the potential for critical and speculative methods as disruptive approaches to research-design perceptions of everyday life and the power of storytelling and narrative to creatively engage community and place. My current research involves the production of designed narratives of community and place and, in particular, investigates the potential for critically-engaged typographies and language-acts, focusing on sites of class experience and situated knowledge at moments or points of change or transition.

Directory of International Activities (2017 - ); Director of International Partnerships (2013 - 2017 ); Director of Student Education (2011 - 2013); Deputy Director of Student Education (2009 - 2011)

 

Responsibilities

  • Director of International Activities

Research interests

Much of my research orbits ideas and ideals of utopianism found in manifestations of the utopian action, and has resulted in a broad range of activities: surveying the noticeboards found in the interior landscapes of Working Men’s Clubs; mapping the route of the march which marked the closure of Britain’s last deep coal mine; exploring the post-Brexit significance of the Esperanto-English dictionary held in Keighley Library, West Yorkshire. In my research I have worked with colleagues across the University, and has sought to forge new links with communities and organisations who might otherwise disregard design's transformative power. 

<h4>Research projects</h4> <p>Some research projects I'm currently working on, or have worked on, will be listed below. Our list of all <a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/dir/research-projects">research projects</a> allows you to view and search the full list of projects in the faculty.</p>

Qualifications

  • PhD Design
  • BA (Hons) Visual Communication

Professional memberships

  • Graphic Design Educators' Network (founding member)

Student education

I teach on modules across the School's undergraduate and postgraduate progreammes, specifically on the Graphic and Communication Design degree, MA Design and MA Advertising and Design.

Current postgraduate researchers

<h4>Postgraduate research opportunities</h4> <p>We welcome enquiries from motivated and qualified applicants from all around the world who are interested in PhD study. Our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk">research opportunities</a> allow you to search for projects and scholarships.</p>