Women Furniture Historians – In Conversation

Join us for a panel discussion on 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.

Our 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 our current exhibition ‘Part of the Furniture: The Library of John Bedford’ at the Treasures of the Brotherton until 21 December.

Panellists:

Pat Kirkham is Professor of Design History at Kingston University

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

Adriana Turpin is on the Council of the Furniture History Society