Biography
I am Keeper of Special Collections at the Bodleian and Librarian in Charge of the Weston Library. I am also Fellow Librarian at Exeter and a member of Oxford’s English Faculty. As Keeper of Special Collections, I have responsibility for one of the world’s most important collections of rare books, manuscripts and archives. I lead a large team of curators, archivists and reading room staff, and the department also includes exhibition and conservation teams. I joined the Bodleian in 2006, before which I was a curator of literary manuscripts at the British Library. Out of work I enjoy playing tennis, cooking and riding motorbikes.
Research and professional interests
My background is in modern British literary studies (specifically neo-romanticism) but I am interested in all aspects of book history, collecting and the materiality of texts. I have a strong interest in building the collections of the Bodleian and in contributing to the growth of Exeter’s own special collections, having led the initiative to acquire the teaching notes of Rector Prideaux.
I sit on several national committees relating to libraries, museums and collections, including Art Council England’s Designation Scheme. I sit on a number of grant giving committees in the field of bibliography and am a judge for Oxford’s student book collecting prize. I am a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and a member of the Grolier Club of New York, America’s oldest bibliographical society.
Teaching
I frequently teach on the English Mst B course strands and convene seminars relating to the history of the book. I am part of the team responsible for Bodleian Student Editions, an initiative that brings together students, curators, collections and digital experts to produce citable simple editions of early modern Bodleian manuscripts.
I am always happy to give advice to students with an interest in rare books, manuscripts, archives or material culture.
