This weekend I attended The London Victorian Studies Colloquium with the Centre for Victorian Studies at Royal Holloway, University of London. Set in beautiful campus and surrounded by the majestic architecture of Thomas Holloway’s Foudner’s Building, I revelled in the rich academic atmosphere, insightful comments and variety of interests perpetuating the Victorian academic scholarship.

The Colloquium commenced on Friday night with a panel on Heritage and Cultural Industries. The speakers included Sonia Solicari (Director of the Geffrye Museum), Cindy Sugrhrue (Director of the Charles Dickens Museum) and Alex Werner (Curator, Museum of London). I have attended many talks by the Royal Holloway Careers department, but none as interesting, engaging and informative as this. The speakers traced their own path into their positions, their roles now, and what they look for in volunteers and job seekers. It seems to me that flexibility is key: you must be able to grab opportunity where it appears. A linear route into museums is abnormal and you must have time for a great deal of volunteering. Essentially, you must throw yourself into it, dedicate yourself pursuing the role you desire through networking, volunteering, and applying to lots and lots of places. The sector is competitive.

While the weekend had a theme of careers and career pathways, the papers given by current PhD students were fascinating and original. From theatrical caricature in Victorian portraiture, to ‘Victorian Spiritualism through the Stereoscope’ as well as French influence on the Gothic revival, I was captivated. The reading group introduced me to Violet Fane and the final paper reignited my passion for Victorian art and Pre-Raphaelite artists.

As a budding Victorianist, I am ready and waiting for September to arrive so I can embark on the MA in Victorian Literature, Art and Culture. My future career, however, is yet undecided. Do I pursue a PhD and become an academic? Do I engage the commercial world and attempt to infiltrate the heritage and cultural industries? Should I develop my interest in art and art history? What about combining commerce and art history to explore the world of auction houses? Needless to say the options are vast, and my realisation of these paths are as a result of this weekend. The weekend has broadened my view of the Victorian Era as a whole, widened my interests and left me uncertain as to which aspect of the 19thC I actually enjoy the most. I shall keep you posted.