Publications
‘The Untold Story’: The mediated female ghost in England’s Blenheim Palace
A multi-media exhibit at Blenheim Palace uses new media to challenge traditional narratives of elite history by focusing on private family relationships. The exhibit, 'The Untold Story,' employs a projected apparition of the first Duchess’ lady’s maid, Grace Ridley, to offer tourists intimate, behind-the-scenes glimpses into 300 years of family stories. This approach exposes the emphasis on elites in traditional heritage sites while addressing anxieties about the estate's historical dependence on servants and its current reliance on tourism. The study examines how this combination of new media and a female ghost narrative influences gender negotiations within tourist destinations, providing insight into the evolving dynamics of cultural site interpretation.
Queen Anne, Court Culture and the Construction of Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace, gifted by Queen Anne to the Duke of Marlborough, stands as a monumental symbol of her reign and military victories. However, Queen Anne's role in its creation has been understudied. This research reveals that Marlborough's evolving relationship with Queen Anne and her court significantly influenced the palace's architectural development and symbolic purposes. By re-examining major historical sources, the study sheds new light on the complex dynamics between power, patronage, and architectural expression during the early 18th century.
The Marlborough Gems formerly at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
A significant portion of the Marlborough Gems, one of England's most renowned collections of intaglios and cameos, has been traced to public and private collections worldwide. This Neo-Classical assemblage, compiled by George, 4th Duke of Marlborough in the 18th century, was preserved through electrotype copies or wax impressions made before its sale in 1875. Professor Boardman's team successfully identified about a quarter of the original 800 items, providing valuable insights into this historical collection's dispersal and current whereabouts.
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