Mell Taylor
@melanievtaylor.bsky.social
Freelance art historian, author, animal lover. Lives in the 16th century! Fascinated by visual evidence of trade with Far East prior to 1522 & other stuff that is hidden in plain sight. website www.melanievtaylor.co.uk
Reposted by Mell Taylor
The inaugural Substack issue of #ArtHerstory’s free monthly newsletter goes out Monday, August 31! In it, we will announce our 2026 holiday card, as well as relay news about acquistions, publications, conferences and more, all to do with #womenartists.
Subscribe at artherstorynotes.substack.com
Subscribe at artherstorynotes.substack.com
August 29, 2026 at 3:26 PM
The inaugural Substack issue of #ArtHerstory’s free monthly newsletter goes out Monday, August 31! In it, we will announce our 2026 holiday card, as well as relay news about acquistions, publications, conferences and more, all to do with #womenartists.
Subscribe at artherstorynotes.substack.com
Subscribe at artherstorynotes.substack.com
Reposted by Mell Taylor
'So, yes, you are historians and we will all continue to be historians after we leave Exeter. You will continue to be historians because we need you. Society, the world, needs you.'
#HistoryForever
Sign the petition against redundancies at Exeter: www.change.org/p/stop-redun...
#HistoryForever
Sign the petition against redundancies at Exeter: www.change.org/p/stop-redun...
July 24, 2026 at 7:43 AM
'So, yes, you are historians and we will all continue to be historians after we leave Exeter. You will continue to be historians because we need you. Society, the world, needs you.'
#HistoryForever
Sign the petition against redundancies at Exeter: www.change.org/p/stop-redun...
#HistoryForever
Sign the petition against redundancies at Exeter: www.change.org/p/stop-redun...
Reposted by Mell Taylor
Someone at a senior level in UK government needs to very publicly tell the US it is none of their business who the UK PM appoints.
July 21, 2026 at 9:35 AM
Someone at a senior level in UK government needs to very publicly tell the US it is none of their business who the UK PM appoints.
Reposted by Mell Taylor
Congratulations to our new @britishacademy.bsky.social fellows. But also sobering as they point out when @exeter.ac.uk is simultaneously putting their jobs &those of a hundred others in humanities, arts and social sciences, The Academy's remit, under threat! #DefendExeterUni @exeterucu.bsky.social
July 17, 2026 at 10:49 AM
Congratulations to our new @britishacademy.bsky.social fellows. But also sobering as they point out when @exeter.ac.uk is simultaneously putting their jobs &those of a hundred others in humanities, arts and social sciences, The Academy's remit, under threat! #DefendExeterUni @exeterucu.bsky.social
Reposted by Mell Taylor
This is nice, thanks Sue!
Susan Greaney recommends the best books on Stonehenge fivebooks.com/best-books/s...
Susan Greaney recommends the best books on Stonehenge fivebooks.com/best-books/s...
Stonehenge
Stonehenge does not stand alone: it is surrounded by earlier monuments, it was built alongside a settlement and other sites, and it presides over graves and shrines from people who lived centuries and...
fivebooks.com
July 14, 2026 at 10:10 AM
This is nice, thanks Sue!
Susan Greaney recommends the best books on Stonehenge fivebooks.com/best-books/s...
Susan Greaney recommends the best books on Stonehenge fivebooks.com/best-books/s...
Reposted by Mell Taylor
@tessmachling.bsky.socia Have you seen this fabulous find in Devon? The site is open this Saturday 11th July for booked tours with a Roman fun day being held at Halberton village hall.
July 9, 2026 at 10:22 AM
@tessmachling.bsky.socia Have you seen this fabulous find in Devon? The site is open this Saturday 11th July for booked tours with a Roman fun day being held at Halberton village hall.
Tiverton Castle will open its doors on 14th July so you can visit its exquisite gardens. It is a truly magical garden & well worth a visit. This is in aid of Hospice care & costs £4/head. Refreshments will be available in St Peter's Church next door.
July 9, 2026 at 10:18 AM
Tiverton Castle will open its doors on 14th July so you can visit its exquisite gardens. It is a truly magical garden & well worth a visit. This is in aid of Hospice care & costs £4/head. Refreshments will be available in St Peter's Church next door.
To cut this is madness. Looks as if the developers are lobbying quietly so they don't have to do investigations on proposed new sites, as these can be costly & cause delays.!
The heritage sector generates £15 billion for the economy. If we cut archaeology as a subject, we lose the engine that helps generate it.
We also lose our knowledge of past societies. We lose any grasp of who we are, who we’ve been, and who we might yet be.
We also lose our knowledge of past societies. We lose any grasp of who we are, who we’ve been, and who we might yet be.
July 9, 2026 at 9:35 AM
To cut this is madness. Looks as if the developers are lobbying quietly so they don't have to do investigations on proposed new sites, as these can be costly & cause delays.!
Reposted by Mell Taylor
👀 New publication:
The Future by the Sea: Engaging with Maritime Archaeological Research during the Climate Emergency
Edited by Katerina Velentza, Brandon Braun
Free downloadable version for personal use: www.archaeopress.com/Archaeopress...
The Future by the Sea: Engaging with Maritime Archaeological Research during the Climate Emergency
Edited by Katerina Velentza, Brandon Braun
Free downloadable version for personal use: www.archaeopress.com/Archaeopress...
July 4, 2026 at 1:30 AM
👀 New publication:
The Future by the Sea: Engaging with Maritime Archaeological Research during the Climate Emergency
Edited by Katerina Velentza, Brandon Braun
Free downloadable version for personal use: www.archaeopress.com/Archaeopress...
The Future by the Sea: Engaging with Maritime Archaeological Research during the Climate Emergency
Edited by Katerina Velentza, Brandon Braun
Free downloadable version for personal use: www.archaeopress.com/Archaeopress...
Reposted by Mell Taylor
Today is the 25th anniversary of Nancy's death, so a link to a post about her published by @artherstory.bsky.social. Do give it a read, please. And a re-post, if you would be so kind.
Nancy Sharp | An Undeservedly Forgotten Modern British Painter
Chris Fauske discusses the personal biography and artistic accomplishments of 20th-century British painter Nancy Sharp.
artherstory.net
June 20, 2026 at 9:36 AM
Today is the 25th anniversary of Nancy's death, so a link to a post about her published by @artherstory.bsky.social. Do give it a read, please. And a re-post, if you would be so kind.
Reposted by Mell Taylor
One of the largest drops in nhs waiting lists on record, which no one will now hear about. Opportunity cost from all the leadership turmoil
www.england.nhs.uk/2026/05/heal...
www.england.nhs.uk/2026/05/heal...
NHS England » “Huge moment” as the health service hits 18-week target amid half-a-million waiting list drop
NHS England » “Huge moment” as the health service hits 18-week target amid half-a-million waiting list drop
www.england.nhs.uk
May 14, 2026 at 12:03 PM
One of the largest drops in nhs waiting lists on record, which no one will now hear about. Opportunity cost from all the leadership turmoil
www.england.nhs.uk/2026/05/heal...
www.england.nhs.uk/2026/05/heal...
Reposted by Mell Taylor
Began work today on the paperback of The Invention of British Art.
May 5, 2026 at 8:21 PM
Began work today on the paperback of The Invention of British Art.
Reposted by Mell Taylor
Don’t miss out on this Secrets d’Histoire episode!
And as many of you asked me: “how did you get on TV in the first place?”
I published and got contacted.
Get your work and expertise out there and then work on a public profile to help out
And as many of you asked me: “how did you get on TV in the first place?”
I published and got contacted.
Get your work and expertise out there and then work on a public profile to help out
May 16, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Don’t miss out on this Secrets d’Histoire episode!
And as many of you asked me: “how did you get on TV in the first place?”
I published and got contacted.
Get your work and expertise out there and then work on a public profile to help out
And as many of you asked me: “how did you get on TV in the first place?”
I published and got contacted.
Get your work and expertise out there and then work on a public profile to help out
The British Channel Islands were occupied by Hitler's forces in June 1940 & not liberated until 9th May 1945. The islanders knew what it would have been like if Hitler had won. This article are my reflections from having been brought up there in the '50s & 60s. melanievtaylor.co.uk/2025/05/07/9...
9th May 1945 Channel Islands Liberated
On May 9, 1945, the Channel Islands celebrated their liberation from Nazi oppression, a day later than most of Europe. The author recounts personal family experiences, including the impact of WWII …
melanievtaylor.co.uk
May 7, 2025 at 10:18 AM
The British Channel Islands were occupied by Hitler's forces in June 1940 & not liberated until 9th May 1945. The islanders knew what it would have been like if Hitler had won. This article are my reflections from having been brought up there in the '50s & 60s. melanievtaylor.co.uk/2025/05/07/9...
Reposted by Mell Taylor
I agree with the argument of this piece, but given the author's claim that the general public sees art history as an elitist discipline, she should have interviewed professors at universities like the one I teach at (UMass) and not just those at Columbia and UCLA. www.thenation.com/article/soci...
We Can’t Give Up on Arts Education
Art history, once a staple in every college humanities curriculum, is now seen as elitist and futile. With Donald Trump back in the White House, the arts are more at risk than ever.
www.thenation.com
March 26, 2025 at 4:02 PM
I agree with the argument of this piece, but given the author's claim that the general public sees art history as an elitist discipline, she should have interviewed professors at universities like the one I teach at (UMass) and not just those at Columbia and UCLA. www.thenation.com/article/soci...
Reposted by Mell Taylor
We only got through 50% of lecture today because my students couldn't get enough of Fragonard, and I do not know what to think of this shocking truth. The kids are alright, but in a weird way?
March 26, 2025 at 3:19 PM
We only got through 50% of lecture today because my students couldn't get enough of Fragonard, and I do not know what to think of this shocking truth. The kids are alright, but in a weird way?
Reposted by Mell Taylor
Ways to show up for our libraries:
-Get a library card
-Regularly visit your library
-Use library services
-Donate books
-Attend library events
-Become a library “friend”
-Purchase their merch or from their book sales
-Volunteer
-Get a library card
-Regularly visit your library
-Use library services
-Donate books
-Attend library events
-Become a library “friend”
-Purchase their merch or from their book sales
-Volunteer
March 15, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Ways to show up for our libraries:
-Get a library card
-Regularly visit your library
-Use library services
-Donate books
-Attend library events
-Become a library “friend”
-Purchase their merch or from their book sales
-Volunteer
-Get a library card
-Regularly visit your library
-Use library services
-Donate books
-Attend library events
-Become a library “friend”
-Purchase their merch or from their book sales
-Volunteer
Reposted by Mell Taylor
What a wonderful celebration of women artists in the annual “EmpowerHer” exhibit — so much art and so many people enjoying it. I am proud to have my quilt “Midnight Rendezvous” exhibiting with so many talented artists. See the exhibit at the @fultonedamcc. #empowerher #midnightrendezvous
March 15, 2025 at 2:03 AM
What a wonderful celebration of women artists in the annual “EmpowerHer” exhibit — so much art and so many people enjoying it. I am proud to have my quilt “Midnight Rendezvous” exhibiting with so many talented artists. See the exhibit at the @fultonedamcc. #empowerher #midnightrendezvous
Reposted by Mell Taylor
A guest post by Cathie Dunn on Poppa of Bayeux, wife 'more danico' - in the Danish fashion - of the Viking leader Rollo "the Walker".
davidpilling.blogspot.com/2025/03/gues...
davidpilling.blogspot.com/2025/03/gues...
Guest post by Cathie Dunn
Who was Poppa of Bayeux? “Who was she ?” When you research history, you often ask yourself that question. History is, usually, about men – ...
davidpilling.blogspot.com
March 5, 2025 at 10:37 AM
A guest post by Cathie Dunn on Poppa of Bayeux, wife 'more danico' - in the Danish fashion - of the Viking leader Rollo "the Walker".
davidpilling.blogspot.com/2025/03/gues...
davidpilling.blogspot.com/2025/03/gues...
Reposted by Mell Taylor
Look who’s turned up this morning! 🥳 Thank you SO much to the contributing authors, my co-editor Michael Questier and the wonderful team @routledgehistory.bsky.social
Use code 25AFLY1 for 20% off:
www.routledge.com/James-VI-and... #earlymodern #KingJames400
Use code 25AFLY1 for 20% off:
www.routledge.com/James-VI-and... #earlymodern #KingJames400
March 5, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Look who’s turned up this morning! 🥳 Thank you SO much to the contributing authors, my co-editor Michael Questier and the wonderful team @routledgehistory.bsky.social
Use code 25AFLY1 for 20% off:
www.routledge.com/James-VI-and... #earlymodern #KingJames400
Use code 25AFLY1 for 20% off:
www.routledge.com/James-VI-and... #earlymodern #KingJames400
Reposted by Mell Taylor
At Kentwell we don’t just play #earlymusic, sometimes we make the #instruments too.
Last year during our #re-creation a small group of our #Tudors made a #trumpet. In the woods. Using #earlymodern style materials, tools and techniques as far as possible.
And it sounded great!
#musicalMonday
Last year during our #re-creation a small group of our #Tudors made a #trumpet. In the woods. Using #earlymodern style materials, tools and techniques as far as possible.
And it sounded great!
#musicalMonday
March 3, 2025 at 10:25 AM
At Kentwell we don’t just play #earlymusic, sometimes we make the #instruments too.
Last year during our #re-creation a small group of our #Tudors made a #trumpet. In the woods. Using #earlymodern style materials, tools and techniques as far as possible.
And it sounded great!
#musicalMonday
Last year during our #re-creation a small group of our #Tudors made a #trumpet. In the woods. Using #earlymodern style materials, tools and techniques as far as possible.
And it sounded great!
#musicalMonday
One of my favourite French heroes.
✍️D'Artagnan's signature - Charles de Castetmore dartaignan
February 27, 2025 at 1:43 PM
One of my favourite French heroes.
Reposted by Mell Taylor
Henry VIII plans to use his sister's marriage to build a powerful alliance. Will she risk his anger by marrying for love?
mybook.to/MaryTudor
#Tudors #HistoricalFiction #audiobook
mybook.to/MaryTudor
#Tudors #HistoricalFiction #audiobook
February 26, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Henry VIII plans to use his sister's marriage to build a powerful alliance. Will she risk his anger by marrying for love?
mybook.to/MaryTudor
#Tudors #HistoricalFiction #audiobook
mybook.to/MaryTudor
#Tudors #HistoricalFiction #audiobook
Reposted by Mell Taylor
i firmly believe one of the main messages we should be telling our students about this whole thing is that generative ‘AI’ by definition will *never* have an original idea,
and if you use it, neither will *you*
and if you use it, neither will *you*
February 26, 2025 at 7:26 AM
i firmly believe one of the main messages we should be telling our students about this whole thing is that generative ‘AI’ by definition will *never* have an original idea,
and if you use it, neither will *you*
and if you use it, neither will *you*