MEMS Renaissance Lecture: Understanding the Culture of Early Modern England: Middling Status, Creativity, and Practice

In this lecture, Catherine Richardson explores the findings of the AHRC Culture of the Middling Sort project, which is now entering its final phase with the production of a monograph that argues for the significant influence of this social group on early modern urban communities. She outlines their particular preoccupations, their material practices and the social, cultural and political implications for the towns in which they operated. A recurring focus will be the role of textiles across various types of middling activity, from civic dress to domestic and ecclesiastical cushions.

Professor Catherine Richardson began her post as Pro Vice-Chancellor of Arts and Humanities in September 2024, joining UEA from the University of Kent where she was Professor of Early Modern Studies, and Director of the Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries. Catherine is also Professor of Early Modern Studies, her research focusing on material culture and the history of the creative industries. She works closely with museums and archives on creative heritage projects, recently running a large Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) project, ‘The Cultural Lives of the Middling Sort, writing and material culture 1560-1660’, with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Folger Shakespeare Library, Weald and Downland Museum and Portable Antiquities Scheme as partners.

Image: Copyright Artas Media.

The event information was provided by the MEMS website; please follow the instructions on that website and contact MEMS Program Director Dr. Suzanna Ivanic with any questions.