Cultural Memory
Cluster lead: Dr Tim Wilks
Cultural memory: the study of the 'present past', or that which a society makes of its past in order to validate its beliefs.
The Cultural Memory research cluster is an interdisciplinary grouping which has participants from several subject areas and schools. The cluster provides a forum for all those interested in cultural memory and seeks to foster
Staff involved:
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Dr Tim Wilks
Edward Chaney
Nigel Brearley
Martin Buckley
Maurice Owen
Rosemary Wallin
Lyn Bek
James M’Kenzie-Hall
Contact us:
Email: tim.wilks@solent.ac.uk
collaborative and interdisciplinary projects.
Cultural memory is a relatively new area of study, which recognizes that many societies of both the past and the present have evolved a 'culture of memory' that has allowed the retention and retrieval of cultural memories. Cultural memory is seen to exist in a different way to history (even what is termed 'public history'), in as much as it is sustained within popular consciousness, is broadly understood, defines or reinforces group identity, prompts cultural practices (rituals of remembering and memorialisation) and also influences political beliefs and policies.
The cluster is also interested in the subjective nature of cultural memory and its tendency to change over time, even to the extent that it may be forgotten then replanted. Though current emphases within the cluster are 'cultural memory and travel' and 'cultural memory and place', it nonetheless encourages and welcomes inquiry into any aspect of the subject.
Members of the cluster are currently undertaking research that ranges from cultural memory of the most widespread and enduring kind to local studies linked to projects that seek to engage the public.
Current projects include: the Southampton element of the Public Sculpture of Hampshire recording and publication project, which seeks not only to document public sculpture but also to make memorial heritage more easily accessible to the public using IT; an in-house project to investigate the ‘genius of place’ (genius loci) and to publish in art-book form a series of prints with accompanying essays; Nigel Brearley’s developing of a typology for the "English detective in popular memory"; Edward Chaney’s tracing of the echoes of Ancient Egypt in the English consciousness; Rosemary Wallin’s study of dress and accessories as markers of the ‘Grand Tourist’.
Additionally, Maurice Owen is conducting an in-depth study of Romano companion culture and its impact on the modern world.
The False - Door|
Two of our doctoral students are close to attaining their PhDs: Lyn Bek’s dissertation is on the cultural construction of the Isle of Wight, and James M’Kenzie-Hall’s dissertation considers the impact of nineteenth century topographical books.
Recent outputs/publications:
ssudl.solent.ac.uk/158|
ssudl.solent.ac.uk/165|