For our next interviewee the PGR ECR Spotlight swings on to illuminate Rachel Eager, a student doing fantastic work using textual/visual sources of emblem books from the sixteenth century and Vogue magazine 2020-2021. Her research interests include ‘hidden’ women, magazine culture and emblems. She is currently doing her PhD on ‘Vogue Magazine: A Not So Contemporary Emblematic Structure’ at the University of Glasgow.
What is your research about?
I am an emblem scholar, focusing on French emblems from the sixteenth and seventeenth century, and apply this knowledge to Vogue magazine (US and UK).
Specifically, my thesis investigates the connections between magazine and emblem studies, analysing how Vogue can be understood as an emblematic structure. The research examines representations of gender, race, and societal issues through Vogue‘s publications during 2020-2021, a period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, #MeToo, and Black Lives Matter. The research has three primary aims: to reintroduce magazines into emblem studies; to demonstrate how Vogue functions as an emblematic structure, and in which ways this can be valuable, examined by applying an emblematic, diachronic and intersectional lens; finally, to use this lens to investigate parallel forms of the magazine, such as comic books and websites. By reintroducing magazines into emblem studies and applying emblematic analysis to Vogue, the thesis expands the field to include modern media and popular culture. It demonstrates that emblematic structures are not limited to historical texts but are relevant for understanding contemporary societal discourse and visual culture.
What was your motivation for researching French history?
I simply fell in love with French emblems and emblem books. I wanted to know more and I am excited by what this tells us about society at the time.
What is your favourite part of the research process?
My favourite part has to be spending time in the archives – I think all researchers enjoy when they make an original discovery, and for me, this is where it happens!
You’re given a time machine for one day. Where would you go? What would you do?
Excellent question – I would specifically meet three women I’ve been researching: Margaret Gatty, Hannah Robertson and Georgette de Montenay. I think I would just be a fly on the wall and observe them. Indeed, I would have to have a very long day to move from the present to sixteenth century and then to the Victorian period.
Who would you invite to your French History fantasy dinner party? (figures from French history or historians)
I would have to have Georgette de Montenay and also invite Alison Adams (as my academic ‘hero’ whose book inspired me to learn more about Georgette). The ceiling should be decorated with emblems for us to get the true sixteenth-century experience.
What have you found most rewarding and most frustrating about your career?
The most rewarding aspects have to be archival discoveries and teaching! It really is magical to discover something previously unexplored, and sharing knowledge with students is always exciting. It really might be the best part – students really have the ability to remind you what you love about research when you’re grappling with something, and so too, you can shape their university experience.
The most frustrating part has to be struggling with writing or research or not finding materials that you are looking for. Also, spending a lot of time on admin or funding forms, especially if they are unsuccessful. However, I think this is part of it and the practise certainly makes us better!
What one change would you like to see in Academia during the next 5 years?
This is a really tricky question as I have a few changes come to mind but all come under ‘Research Culture’ so I would like to see a standardised positive research culture everywhere. For example, reasonable working expectations where working Saturday morning is not the norm. A fair and inclusive academia for all is what I would like to see.
What is the most surprising or unique thing you’ve found in the course of writing your thesis?
Academically, (re)introducing the link between the emblem and the magazine. Initially, I thought it was just me making this justification but it actually dates back to at least the nineteenth century.
On a less academic level, procrastination is really part of the process. The days where ‘nothing’ gets done is actually crucial thinking space, and that’s okay!
Any advice for 1st year PhDs or Master students thinking of starting a PhD?
Life is precious and wild. Ask yourself how you want to spend it. Sometimes counting in years is scary but 5%(ish) of life spent on a PhD seems reasonable, and even fun!
Existentialism aside, make sure you have funding organised and ultimately, keep pushing through until the end! You should also make sure that you like your research topic – it should be something that lights you up and makes you feel like there is something to explore there. Finally, good luck and enjoy it!
What do you hope to work on next?
I have a few projects up my sleeves actually! They are all collaborative, which makes a nice change from a solo thesis! One project concerns emblems and teaspoons (intriguing!), articles on ‘hidden’ women in emblem studies (which is my turn away from the thesis but still connected in many ways).
Quick-fire questions (you can offer a justification if you wish!)
Archives Nationales or Archives Départementales (or another resource altogether…?)?
The Stirling Maxwell Centre, University of Glasgow (as it holds the largest emblem book collection).
Writing in silence or to music?
Music: classical covers of pop are my go-to.
Best conference you’ve ever been to?
It’s between two for me: my first conference in Coimbra (12th International Conference of the Society for Emblem Studies) will forever hold a special place in my heart. It was where I really grasped the value of my research, the originality of it and received such positive and constructive feedback. I also met my ‘academic heroes’ who are, in fact, the loveliest scholars and said I’m like a ‘grandchild’ to them!
Not strictly a conference but the Institute For World Literature at Harvard University was a surreal experience. I presented various aspects of my research to different audiences and also participated in seminars – it made me really excited about my own research again and it was also a moment where I realised that I am an expert and do have this specialist knowledge. I have also made friends across the world to collaborate with, and also reunite in the future, whether it be to write articles together or sightsee!
Twitter (Currently known as X) or Bluesky?
Neither! I was a Twitter fan c.2016 however…
Favourite Boulangerie item ?
Ooh! Perhaps a merveilleux, chocolate chip brioche or even just baguette classique…or all three ideally.
Éclair or saucisson?
Saucisson, preferably cut thinly and shared with friends (even better if an argument over the thinness of the cut ensues!).
