PhD Studentship: Practises make places: artists’ responses to ‘prehistoric’ monuments

Project advert

This project explores representation of English ‘prehistoric’ monuments in visual media over the last 300 years, to better understand their roles in the history of archaeological thought, art history, and public heritage.

‘Prehistoric’ sites have inspired generations of artists and makers; famous responses to iconic southern English prehistoric monuments – Stonehenge and Avebury – provide a canonical role call of England-based post-Enlightenment artists. However, these responses are only some amongst many. Ideas about ‘prehistory’, deep time, belonging, identity, rootedness, hidden landscape stories, and connection to place continue to influence many more practitioners than the frequently cited responses. This project will redress two historic biases: emphasis on a select group of southern English sites, and focus on a select group of visual artists.

The project works with English Heritage to better understand the long history of creative responses to the historic environment and ‘prehistoric’ monuments across England, with a focus on outsider art and alternative narratives. Combining methods from heritage studies, art history and public archaeology, this project focuses on henge monuments in the care of English Heritage, making use of archives on key northern sites.

Project aims and objectives

Aims:

• Identify ways English ‘prehistoric’ monuments have been represented over the last 300 years.
• Explore the changing roles ancient sites play in art history, archaeology, and heritage narratives, and the shifting value of these places.

Objectives:

1. Assess how ‘prehistoric’ monuments in northern England have been represented in creative works, how these representations differ from to other places and over time, including working with contemporary artists in residence at English Heritage sites.
2. Map the networks of artists/makers who represented groups of sites, and how makers were enmeshed in the wider world.
3. Develop ways to relate these histories to contemporary visitors and residents, and to take research beyond English Heritage properties and heritage tourists.

Specific requirements of the candidate

Applications should have a first degree in Archaeology, and an MA in Archaeology, Art History, Anthropology, or an allied field, or equivalent experience. We would welcome candidates with some or all of the following interests, experience and qualities:

• An understanding of the ‘prehistoric’ archaeology of Britain and heritage sites in northern England.
• Experience of/or interest in working in heritage and/or arts at ancient sites.
• Experience of archival research working with archaeological and/or historical records.
• Experience in applying qualitative approaches to assessing public engagement at heritage sites.
• Experience working with community organisations and/or community heritage organisations.
• Experience working with contemporary artists.

Further information

Interested applicants should contact Dr Seren Griffiths or Jennifer Wexler for an informal discussion.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Archaeology (or download the PGR application form).

You should also complete the (PGR thesis proposal) form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.

This project is open to Home students only.

Closing date: 7 March 2025

Expected start date: October 2025

Please quote the reference: AH-SG-Archaeology-NWCDTP CDA 2025

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