1. Geographies of Knowledge and Knowing
Paying close attention to the knowledges surrounding technology, I am particularly interested in amateur and expert ways of knowing. Focusing on technical hobbies, my research explores the geographies of enthusiastic knowledge. I am interested in how such knowledges are performed, as well as questions of fieldwork, heritage, memory, practice, preservation and skill. An emerging interest here is the increasing engagement between geography and archaeology.
2. Collecting and Collections
Influenced by material culture studies and museology, I am interested in how, what and why people and institutions collect. In the museum context, my research considers undisplayed/reserve collections. By going behind the scenes at the Science Museum, my research has explored the changing role of the curator, the practice of conservation and identified museum professionals as ‘material people’. With interests in the geography of the home, my research is concerned with the personal collections of technology enthusiasts, here relating to questions of masculinity, technological nostalgia and those spaces on the edge of the domestic. I am particularly interested in ‘shed culture’ – masculine spaces of leisure, such as the basement, garage, loft and shed.
3. Cultural Geographies of Enthusiasm
Identified since the 17th century with fanaticism and madness, but used today to describe a passionate dedication for an activity, I have an ongoing interest in the theories of enthusiasm. Reflecting cultural geography’s interest in affective narratives, the more-than-representational, as well as questions of emotional experience, I am interested in the psychological and emotional aspects of enthusiasm. Empirically, my research explores the culture of technology enthusiasm and the passionate behaviour and practices employed by participants. I am particularly interested in themes of joy, love and passion and their subsequent inclusion in narratives of cultural geography.
4. Collaborative Research
Inspired by the public history movement (in particular the work of Raphael Samuel), I am committed to collaborative research. I am interested in the potential for more public geographies, especially in relation to developing networks between geography and museums. I work collaboratively with the Science Museum in London and am involved in museum projects relating to enthusiasts and specialist groups.
I welcome enquiries from anyone with interests in the above themes.
