“In times of political volatility, it’s more vital than ever that we tell women’s stories”

What impact has recent instability around the world had on the study of women’s history? Does our desire for strong female role models risk erasing complexity? And whose lives are still overlooked? Ahead of Women’s History Month, Ellie Cawthorne spoke to three historians about the state of the discipline.

What inspires our love of history?

What events or youthful experiences nurture an enduring fascination for centuries gone? A diverse panel of historians reveal the pivotal moments that sparked their lifelong passion for the past. Interviews by Matt Elton.

Should period dramas reflect modern sensibilities?

From The Forsyte Saga in the 1960s to the latest season of Bridgerton, period drama has long been a favourite genre with TV audiences. But should such shows reflect our changing tastes as viewers, or offer an accurate view of the people and periods they depict?

Should Britain be proud of its past?

Are Britons right to celebrate their national story? Or are the nation’s historical misdeeds a cause for shame? Should we even be posing this question? Four historians offer their perspectives. Interviews by Matt Elton.

What is the greatest historical film?

Sword-and-sandals epic, gritty war drama or muddy medieval caper? We asked historians to nominate the best historical movies and our website users to vote for their favourites on the list. These are the results...

Have nations always used sport to launder their reputations?

As countries with questionable human rights records buy overseas teams and vie to host global tournaments, MATT MCDOWELL speaks to Matt Elton about the rise of ‘sportswashing’ – and whether sport and power have always gone hand in hand.

Should historians interpret the past through the prism of the present?

A recent debate about whether the study of History should address contemporary concerns exposed faultlines in academic approaches. David Motadel explores the controversy.

The opportunistic evolution of Britain's far right

Following recent outbreaks of racist violence in towns and cities across the UK, Graham Macklin charts the postwar history of British far-right movements.

Reviving Roman Voices

The remarkable story of one Roman woman, pieced together from fragments over many centuries, reveals insights into family life more than 2,000 years ago. Mary Beard gives voice to the long-silent Turia.

David Cameron’s recent appointment as foreign secretary raised eyebrows among politicians and public alike. But, as Richard Toye explains, he’s far from the first prime minister to enjoy a post-number-10 cabinet career.

University funding for history departments

The Edict of Nantes ends France’s wars of religion - 13 April 1598

A series of illustrated portraits accompanying an article by Lucy Worsley telling the stories of six people who endured the London Blitz.

Coronavirus: What might we learn from pandemics in the past?

Illustration for an article by Laura Spinney for BBC World Histories.

Two internal illustrations for Outside the box: everyday stories of death, bereavement and life by Liz Rothschild, published by PCCS books.

TUNNELS TO FLOAT THROUGH

Artwork for Russ Young’s Tunnels to Float Through. Released by Audiobulb Records, mastered by Taylor Deupree.

How Britain saved Einstein. Article by Andrew Robinson.

The Big Three’s war of words. Article by David Reynolds.

Art direction by Susanne Frank.

Personal work 2018.

Artwork for Russ Young’s Pala EP. Released March 2019 by Audiobulb Records, mastered by Taylor Deupree.

a user manual for creativity 2018

Illustration for:

Shutting out the noise. Getting shit done - David Hieatt


Design: Nick Hand, Laura Heilbrun and Jordan Wright.

Printing: Park Lane Press, The Letterpress Collective and Nomad Letterpress.

a user manual for creativity 2018

Illustrations for:

Work Rituals - Craig Mod

Design: Nick Hand, Laura Heilbrun and Jordan Wright.

Printing: Park Lane Press, The Letterpress Collective and Nomad Letterpress.

a user manual for creativity 2018

Illustrations for:

My perfect day - James Victore
Rituals - Stanley Donwood

Design: Nick Hand, Laura Heilbrun and Jordan Wright.

Printing: Park Lane Press, The Letterpress Collective and Nomad Letterpress.

Winston Churchill: Atomic Warrior, Nuclear Peacemaker. Article by Kevin Ruane.

Art direction by Susanne Frank.

Will History Survive the Digital Age? Essay by Jane Winters.

Art direction by Susanne Frank.

Everything You Need To Know About… Clearside. Planadviser magazine, January - February 2015 issue.

Art direction by SooJin Buzelli.

Selected personal work from recent years.

Shell illustrations for the Tangible Memories project by Stand +Stare Interactive. The shell drawings function as QR codes, triggering audio clips of memories and stories when scanned.

Stills from feature length BBC2 documentary narrated by actor Michael Sheen. Animation be Paul Greer, Libby Redden and Hugh Cowling for BDH.

BAFTA nominated and winner of the Royal Television Society WoE award for Graphics and Visual Effects. 

Breanish Tweed linocut print for Nick Hand’s Journeyman project.

Journeyman is a celebration of British craft and of slow travel. It is a collection of stories of people who dedicate their life to a particular craft and passion; all collected by one man on a bicycle with a printing press on the back.

Journeyman print by Jon McNaught.

You can buy the book here.

Celebrating 25 years of Heavenly Records. Limited edition signed prints, printed by The Letterpress Collective.

Book spine design for Caught by the River. Prints are available here.