In our next installment of our PGR/ECR Spotlight, showcasing some of our upcoming members and scholars of French History the society is proud to introduce Lauren Robbins, a wonderful Art Historian. She is currently at the University of St Andrews conducting her PhD on ‘Art, Archaeology, Apocalypse: Gustave Moreau and the Ruins of History‘ which is in its final stages of development.

What is your research about?
I study the artist Gustave Moreau and the resonances of Greco-Roman archaeology found throughout his oeuvre. Particularly, I am examining how archaeological ruin could be used as allegory to mediate the various upheavals of the second half of the nineteenth century.
What was your motivation for researching French history?
My gateway to French history was probably, unsurprisingly, French art history. I have always gravitated toward French art and the long nineteenth century was one of the most crucial moments for France in the art world. My studies have led me down a lot of unexpected paths in researching this period- literature, religion, the wild world of politics…
What is your favourite part of the research process?
There are days that “require” that I visit certain museums and exhibitions and I quite enjoy that.
You’re given a time machine for one day. Where would you go? What would you do?
It might be entertaining to visit Marie Antoinette’s “hamlet.” I’m not sure if I could bring myself to dress up, but I think I would get a kick out of observing from the sidelines. That, or one of the Expositions Universelles…maybe 1889. I like a spectacle.
Who would you invite to your French History fantasy dinner party? (figures from French history or historians)
I think it would be a missed opportunity if I didn’t invite Moreau, just so I could get definitive answers to some of my research questions.
What have you found most rewarding and most frustrating about your career?
In general, what is most rewarding is the ability to work with art, whether at a museum or through research. Not many people get to pursue their passion in that way.
Along the way there have been minor frustrations – missing out on a specific job or funding opportunity etc. – but I think that’s part of the game and you learn to move on.
What one change would you like to see in Academia during the next 5 years?
I am not sure if this is a change necessarily, but a continued push toward a more supportive and inclusive community would be very welcome.
If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?
I suppose I would still be an exhibition manager at the Guggenheim, which is what I was doing before starting the PhD. It was a great role, but ultimately not what I wanted to pursue in the long term.
What is the most surprising or unique thing you’ve found in the course of writing your thesis?
How often and how quickly history repeats itself.
Any advice for 1st year PhDs or Master students thinking of starting a PhD?
Pace yourself, don’t take it all too seriously, and remember it is a privilege to be able to research what interests you, so try to enjoy it! That’s what I try to remember in particularly difficult moments.
What do you hope to work on next?
I am looking to re-enter the museum world as a curator, which has always been my professional goal. I’m hoping my most recent academic endeavours will help with that transition.
Quick-fire questions (you can offer a justification if you wish!)
Writing in silence or to music?
Music! I am always listening to a film score when I work.
Best conference you’ve ever been to?
Is it a cop-out to say I have enjoyed them all? It’s generally nice to be with people who are as passionate about their work as I am about mine and to exchange ideas with them.
X (Formerly known as Twitter) or Bluesky?
Neither!
Favourite Boulangerie item ?
A sandwich- jambon, fromage, beurre. Perfection.
Éclair or saucisson?
Éclair (though there are superior pâtisseries I would choose first).