Metallic Empire: Science, Energy, and Industrial Imperialism in the John Percy Collection, 1817–89
AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership PhD Studentship
University of Warwick and Science Museum, London
Applications are invited for a fully-funded PhD studentship (fees and maintenance) to be held at the Department of History, University of Warwick and the Science Museum, London.
The studentship focuses on the colonial and industrial history of the John Percy Collection, held at the Science Museum, London. The Percy Collection comprises over 3,700 mineralogical specimens, including coal from South Africa, silver from Australia, and copper from India. The collection was made by John Percy FRS (1817–1889), and then subsequently acquired by the South Kensington Museum on his death. A study of the Percy Collection provides an excellent opportunity to uncover the imperial and colonial origins of a significant early acquisition by the Science Museum. Alongside these colonial legacies, this project will also uncover the hidden contributions of under-represented groups in the history of modern science and industry. From Indian translators to Japanese craftspeople, a range of individuals played a part in the making of the Percy Collection. This project will therefore provide a new foundation for presenting the collection to the public.
The project will be supervised jointly by Dr James Poskett (Warwick), Dr Katayoun Shafiee (Warwick), Dr Richard Dunn (Science Museum), and Mr Ben Russell (Science Museum).
Deadline for Applications: Friday 29th April 2022
Online Interviews: Week beginning Monday 9th May 2022
How to Apply and Further Details: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/history/people/staff_index/poskett/studentship/
International Applicants: Applications from international students are very welcome. The University of Warwick will cover the difference between home and international tuition fees. The PhD maintenance stipend is payable to international students at the same rate as home students.
Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr James Poskett (j.poskett@warwick.ac.uk).