Joanne Begiato
@jbhist.bsky.social
Prof of History & Material Culture Studies. Associate Dean for Research @lcflondon.bsky.social. The Victorian Hand Project funded by AHRC. Happily married to @medhistoryman.bsky.social
More news on our upcoming events 👐
We are delighted to be partnering with @hunterianmuseum.bsky.social at The Royal College of Surgeons of England in our research on hands, craft and haptic skill in the nineteenth century!
Stay tuned for news about our collaboration and how to get involved!
Stay tuned for news about our collaboration and how to get involved!
February 6, 2026 at 10:51 PM
More news on our upcoming events 👐
We are very excited about our upcoming workshops 🙌
We’re delighted to announce the first workshops in our Work of Mending series, in partnership with The Quilters’ Guild. These hands-on, research-led workshops explore what hands do and what they mean in historical and contemporary handwork.
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/cc/the-work-...
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/cc/the-work-...
February 6, 2026 at 10:50 PM
We are very excited about our upcoming workshops 🙌
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
Barriers preventing working class talent from succeeding include class-based discrimination, low pay, a lack of connections and exploitative practices. Over 150 hours of interviews with artists ranging from teenage musicians to globally recognised playwrights were conducted.
Radical measures needed to close arts class gap in Greater Manchester, inquiry finds
Working class creatives are struggling to break into and are leaving the arts, a new inquiry has warned. Class Ceiling, led by Chancellor of The University of Manchester Nazir Afzal OBE and Avis Gilmo...
www.manchester.ac.uk
January 26, 2026 at 3:28 PM
Barriers preventing working class talent from succeeding include class-based discrimination, low pay, a lack of connections and exploitative practices. Over 150 hours of interviews with artists ranging from teenage musicians to globally recognised playwrights were conducted.
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
A huge thank you to all our delegates for joining The Hand: Emotion, Embodiment, Identity!
Your ideas, questions and conversations made the conference such a rewarding and inspiring event. We are grateful to everyone who contributed and helped make it a success 🤝
Your ideas, questions and conversations made the conference such a rewarding and inspiring event. We are grateful to everyone who contributed and helped make it a success 🤝
January 12, 2026 at 11:09 AM
A huge thank you to all our delegates for joining The Hand: Emotion, Embodiment, Identity!
Your ideas, questions and conversations made the conference such a rewarding and inspiring event. We are grateful to everyone who contributed and helped make it a success 🤝
Your ideas, questions and conversations made the conference such a rewarding and inspiring event. We are grateful to everyone who contributed and helped make it a success 🤝
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
🙌 Two weeks on from The Hand: Emotions, Embodiment and Identity conference, we reflect on the stimulating contributions of scholars, artists and makers who explored the hand across historical, cultural and creative contexts.
Read our latest blog here: www.thevictorianhand.uk/gallery/conf...
Read our latest blog here: www.thevictorianhand.uk/gallery/conf...
January 23, 2026 at 1:14 PM
🙌 Two weeks on from The Hand: Emotions, Embodiment and Identity conference, we reflect on the stimulating contributions of scholars, artists and makers who explored the hand across historical, cultural and creative contexts.
Read our latest blog here: www.thevictorianhand.uk/gallery/conf...
Read our latest blog here: www.thevictorianhand.uk/gallery/conf...
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
🤩 This is how it's done, folks!
'A lesbian couple at the centre of their community and a pair of brothers said to have been among the first people to medically transition are among the people whose stories are told in the Queer Norfolk archive.' 🏳️🌈📚🏳️⚧️📜🗃️
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #queerhistory
'A lesbian couple at the centre of their community and a pair of brothers said to have been among the first people to medically transition are among the people whose stories are told in the Queer Norfolk archive.' 🏳️🌈📚🏳️⚧️📜🗃️
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #queerhistory
Archive reveals hidden stories of Queer Norfolk
Figures such as Barbara Ross and Anna Gurney were ahead of their time, says archivist Adam Baker.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 22, 2026 at 3:22 PM
🤩 This is how it's done, folks!
'A lesbian couple at the centre of their community and a pair of brothers said to have been among the first people to medically transition are among the people whose stories are told in the Queer Norfolk archive.' 🏳️🌈📚🏳️⚧️📜🗃️
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #queerhistory
'A lesbian couple at the centre of their community and a pair of brothers said to have been among the first people to medically transition are among the people whose stories are told in the Queer Norfolk archive.' 🏳️🌈📚🏳️⚧️📜🗃️
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #queerhistory
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
The bad news rolling in from across Britain's universities seems endless. Very little of the traditional infrastructure outside the top-ranked 25 or so institutions will survive at this rate. Especially in the Arts and Humanities.
an aerial view of a city with lots of tall buildings and a building that says ' chinese ' on it
ALT: an aerial view of a city with lots of tall buildings and a building that says ' chinese ' on it
media.tenor.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:14 PM
The bad news rolling in from across Britain's universities seems endless. Very little of the traditional infrastructure outside the top-ranked 25 or so institutions will survive at this rate. Especially in the Arts and Humanities.
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
Read this thread for the lived experience of what it's like in almost all UK universities now - just an internal implosion. Organisationally, morally, in terms of capacity and morale.
Missing from the coverage of redundancies at Edinburgh: this was done in such a haphazard, uncoordinated way, there are now core teams who have gone from 5 people to 1 with no change in workload or pressure and huge loss in knowledge of institutional process. www.heraldscotland.com/news/2576321...
Hundreds of staff leave Edinburgh University amid cuts drive
According to the university, 345 of these departures were the result of a targeted voluntary severance (VS) scheme run by the institution in 2025.
www.heraldscotland.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:19 PM
Read this thread for the lived experience of what it's like in almost all UK universities now - just an internal implosion. Organisationally, morally, in terms of capacity and morale.
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
Still thinking about the Carney speech today. It is also interesting that the first inkling I had of this was from Michael Ignatieff in a @financialtimes.com piece. Canadians get it and yes, due to our proximity we have no choice but to.
Read Mark Carney's full speech on middle powers navigating a rapidly changing world | CBC News
Read the full text of Prime Minister Mark Carney's speech about a shakeup of the global order and role of middle powers at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
www.cbc.ca
January 21, 2026 at 7:43 AM
Still thinking about the Carney speech today. It is also interesting that the first inkling I had of this was from Michael Ignatieff in a @financialtimes.com piece. Canadians get it and yes, due to our proximity we have no choice but to.
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
The UK Govt has quietly published - without announcement - the Joint Intelligence Committee/DEFRA report it suppressed last October. They tried to sneak it out in the midst of crisis. Read and share:
“Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse & National Security.”
(link below)
The UK Govt has quietly published - without announcement - the Joint Intelligence Committee/DEFRA report it suppressed last October. They tried to sneak it out in the midst of crisis. Read and share:
“Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse & National Security.”
(link below)
January 20, 2026 at 6:05 PM
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
The UK Govt has quietly published - without announcement - the Joint Intelligence Committee/DEFRA report it suppressed last October. They tried to sneak it out in the midst of crisis. Read and share:
“Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse & National Security.”
(link below)
The UK Govt has quietly published - without announcement - the Joint Intelligence Committee/DEFRA report it suppressed last October. They tried to sneak it out in the midst of crisis. Read and share:
“Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse & National Security.”
(link below)
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
'The report highlights that at 16 providers, once the international student fee levy has been implemented, the exchequer will collect more in revenue that these providers received in grants from the Office for Students in 2023-24.' LSE could pay £7M levy, receiving less than £500k direct grant. 3/3
January 21, 2026 at 8:16 AM
'The report highlights that at 16 providers, once the international student fee levy has been implemented, the exchequer will collect more in revenue that these providers received in grants from the Office for Students in 2023-24.' LSE could pay £7M levy, receiving less than £500k direct grant. 3/3
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
Delighted to be presenting today at @victorianhand.bsky.social conference "The Hand: Emotions, Embodiment, Identity" part of @jbhist.bsky.social and @medhistoryman.bsky.social exciting AHRC project 😀
January 8, 2026 at 10:05 AM
Delighted to be presenting today at @victorianhand.bsky.social conference "The Hand: Emotions, Embodiment, Identity" part of @jbhist.bsky.social and @medhistoryman.bsky.social exciting AHRC project 😀
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
Really great workshop at @jbhist.bsky.social and @medhistoryman.bsky.social conference @victorianhand.bsky.social to think about textile making and sense of touch with artist and curator Ruth Singer. Very interesting for those of us not makers to think through its implications for our understanding.
January 8, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Really great workshop at @jbhist.bsky.social and @medhistoryman.bsky.social conference @victorianhand.bsky.social to think about textile making and sense of touch with artist and curator Ruth Singer. Very interesting for those of us not makers to think through its implications for our understanding.
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
It is EXHAUSTING not only being made responsible for coming up with new kinds of assignments for our students; it's also tedious reading op-eds that suggest the core problem is a crisis in teaching. But, as Chris and I lay out here, this isn't a crisis in teaching; it's an attack on learning.
"We envision a resistance that is...a repudiation of the efficiencies that automated algorithmic education falsely promises: a resistance comprising the collective force of small acts of friction."
"How to Resist AI in Education" by me & @cnygren.bsky.social
www.publicbooks.org/four-frictio...
"How to Resist AI in Education" by me & @cnygren.bsky.social
www.publicbooks.org/four-frictio...
Four Frictions: or, How to Resist AI in Education - Public Books
We are calling for resistance to the AI industry’s ongoing capture of higher education.
www.publicbooks.org
December 24, 2025 at 7:39 PM
It is EXHAUSTING not only being made responsible for coming up with new kinds of assignments for our students; it's also tedious reading op-eds that suggest the core problem is a crisis in teaching. But, as Chris and I lay out here, this isn't a crisis in teaching; it's an attack on learning.
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
This is very good and goes in front of my MA students next term for sure. It's a lot better than the various medium posts I've written but it's reassuring to see so many people arrive at the same answer after checking. No, AI is not capable of "replacing" historians. Not even close, wrong timezone.
If anyone remembers that list which said historians were second in line to be replaced by AI, I've had some thoughts about it... and how it relates to some aspects of public history and the current climate facing historians.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
The Historian in the Age of AI | Transactions of the Royal Historical Society | Cambridge Core
The Historian in the Age of AI
www.cambridge.org
December 10, 2025 at 12:02 PM
This is very good and goes in front of my MA students next term for sure. It's a lot better than the various medium posts I've written but it's reassuring to see so many people arrive at the same answer after checking. No, AI is not capable of "replacing" historians. Not even close, wrong timezone.
Resharing our #Handoftheweek posts
We’re launching our #handoftheweek series!
This week is Dr Hippolyte Baraduc, who tried to photograph the human soul via 'the most perfect organ after the brain', the hand.
Baraduc’s photos blend science and occult, showing how hands were seen as windows onto the inner self in the 19th century.
This week is Dr Hippolyte Baraduc, who tried to photograph the human soul via 'the most perfect organ after the brain', the hand.
Baraduc’s photos blend science and occult, showing how hands were seen as windows onto the inner self in the 19th century.
December 17, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Resharing our #Handoftheweek posts
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
'Founded in 1878 by the City of London and a group of 16 livery companies, the original institute developed a national system of technical education, offering qualifications and apprenticeships in fields ranging from manufacturing and mechanical engineering to hairdressing and horticulture.' 1/2
City & Guilds to shrink UK workforce amid £22m cost-cutting drive
Training and qualifications body, acquired by private Greek firm in October, to become ‘leaner organisation’
www.theguardian.com
December 14, 2025 at 10:27 AM
'Founded in 1878 by the City of London and a group of 16 livery companies, the original institute developed a national system of technical education, offering qualifications and apprenticeships in fields ranging from manufacturing and mechanical engineering to hairdressing and horticulture.' 1/2
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
✋ This 1845 daguerreotype captured the branded hand of Jonathan Walker - marked ‘SS’ for ‘slave stealer’ after he tried to help enslaved people escape Florida. Intended as punishment, it became an abolitionist symbol, though his story often overshadowed those of the enslaved people he sought to aid.
December 12, 2025 at 2:15 PM
✋ This 1845 daguerreotype captured the branded hand of Jonathan Walker - marked ‘SS’ for ‘slave stealer’ after he tried to help enslaved people escape Florida. Intended as punishment, it became an abolitionist symbol, though his story often overshadowed those of the enslaved people he sought to aid.
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
Hands can be subject to punishment and agents of resistance or in this fascinating case, both at the same time.
✋ This 1845 daguerreotype captured the branded hand of Jonathan Walker - marked ‘SS’ for ‘slave stealer’ after he tried to help enslaved people escape Florida. Intended as punishment, it became an abolitionist symbol, though his story often overshadowed those of the enslaved people he sought to aid.
December 12, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Hands can be subject to punishment and agents of resistance or in this fascinating case, both at the same time.
Another #Handoftheweek - exploring marks inscribed on the hand and their capacity to be read in multiple ways. Please share more widely.
✋ This 1845 daguerreotype captured the branded hand of Jonathan Walker - marked ‘SS’ for ‘slave stealer’ after he tried to help enslaved people escape Florida. Intended as punishment, it became an abolitionist symbol, though his story often overshadowed those of the enslaved people he sought to aid.
December 12, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Another #Handoftheweek - exploring marks inscribed on the hand and their capacity to be read in multiple ways. Please share more widely.
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
⚔️ Götz von Berlichingen lost his hand to a cannonball in 1504 and commissioned an iron prosthesis with hinged, lockable fingers for use in battle.
He later adopted a more advanced model - one of the earliest functioning mechanical prosthetic hands - which he used across his military career.
He later adopted a more advanced model - one of the earliest functioning mechanical prosthetic hands - which he used across his military career.
December 5, 2025 at 3:21 PM
⚔️ Götz von Berlichingen lost his hand to a cannonball in 1504 and commissioned an iron prosthesis with hinged, lockable fingers for use in battle.
He later adopted a more advanced model - one of the earliest functioning mechanical prosthetic hands - which he used across his military career.
He later adopted a more advanced model - one of the earliest functioning mechanical prosthetic hands - which he used across his military career.
What an amazing #Handoftheweek 👏 👏
⚔️ Götz von Berlichingen lost his hand to a cannonball in 1504 and commissioned an iron prosthesis with hinged, lockable fingers for use in battle.
He later adopted a more advanced model - one of the earliest functioning mechanical prosthetic hands - which he used across his military career.
He later adopted a more advanced model - one of the earliest functioning mechanical prosthetic hands - which he used across his military career.
December 5, 2025 at 5:45 PM
What an amazing #Handoftheweek 👏 👏
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
Graduate of the American Studies programme that the University of Nottingham wishes to close wins 2025 Wolfson History Prize for Survivors: The Lost Stories of the Last Captives of the Atlantic Slave Trade.
History, it's a long game. Divest in haste, repent for the longue durée.
History, it's a long game. Divest in haste, repent for the longue durée.
The Wolfson History Prize - Celebrating Outstanding History
The Wolfson History Prize is awarded annually to promote and recognise outstanding history written for a general audience.
www.wolfsonhistoryprize.org.uk
December 3, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Graduate of the American Studies programme that the University of Nottingham wishes to close wins 2025 Wolfson History Prize for Survivors: The Lost Stories of the Last Captives of the Atlantic Slave Trade.
History, it's a long game. Divest in haste, repent for the longue durée.
History, it's a long game. Divest in haste, repent for the longue durée.
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
Solidarity with every trans person struggling to keep their heads in the game today. Along with everything else, this is absolutely a war against our collective and individual mental and emotional health - against our very sense of self.
It's expected to feel the blow. But we stay fighting.
It's expected to feel the blow. But we stay fighting.
December 3, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Solidarity with every trans person struggling to keep their heads in the game today. Along with everything else, this is absolutely a war against our collective and individual mental and emotional health - against our very sense of self.
It's expected to feel the blow. But we stay fighting.
It's expected to feel the blow. But we stay fighting.
Reposted by Joanne Begiato
Annual shameless Xmas or other seasonal holiday gift suggestion for those interested in any of material culture, empire or British country houses. Over 500 pages & 100 illustrations. Paperback a mere £30. (Alternatively, free to download from @uclpress.bsky.social or @jstor.bsky.social ).
The East India Company at Home, 1757-1857
The East India Company at Home, 1757-1857 explores how empire in Asia shaped British country houses, their interiors and the lives of their residents. It includes chapters from researchers based in a ...
uclpress.co.uk
November 30, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Annual shameless Xmas or other seasonal holiday gift suggestion for those interested in any of material culture, empire or British country houses. Over 500 pages & 100 illustrations. Paperback a mere £30. (Alternatively, free to download from @uclpress.bsky.social or @jstor.bsky.social ).