About Katy

Curator of Social History, based at York Castle Museum

Background

I gained a BA (Hons) Mediaeval & Modern History from University of Birmingham, then a Post Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies and a Museums Association Diploma.

My first post was as a Museum Assistant at Bradford Industrial Museum, followed by a post as Assistant Keeper Social History & Archaeology at Salford Museums.

After a career break bringing up my family I became one of the Curators of Social History at York Castle Museum in 1999.

Interests

Victorian domestic life, Georgian and Victorian social history, the role of women in Victorian society, childhood, toys and games, history of photography & photographs, history of shopping and shops, history of pawnbroking and history of costume (an interest, although I am not responsible for the costume collection in my post).

Why I wanted to be a curator

I was attracted by the variety of work within the curator's role. I wanted a job involving history and material culture and looking after historic objects. I enjoy the research involved in preparing exhibitions, publications and answering enquiries from members of the public.

I also (rather sadly!) enjoy the more administrative aspects of the job - i.e. cataloguing and documentation of collections. I like to be involved with schools and other groups too, when I can talk about objects and their context in history.

Favourite part of my job

I enjoy the variety of the work I do and the lovely objects we look after. We also meet some interesting people.

Favourite museum object

Tommy, the Georgian Dummy Board. It is a figure of a Georgian servant, holding a glass, which is displayed in the Georgian room.

I was instrumental in the Museum purchasing it from a lady in America and having researched the family history at the time, I feel as though I know them all!

Historical idol

Hans Holbein - his portraits of people from the Tudor period are so lifelike, you feel you would have liked to meet them.

Proudest moment

When Tommy the Dummy board finally arrived at the Museum (having been delayed by the events of 9/11).