Joanna is an independent art historian, retired history teacher, and member of the Association for Art History. She holds a B.Ed. degree, an MA with distinction in History of Art from Birkbeck College, University of London, and will be resuming work on her PhD thesis in 2019 at Exeter University.

Since moving to Somerset in early 2015 she has been invited to present lectures, talks and study days at Dillington House, the Wells Film Centre, Wells Cathedral School, and for the U3A, the WEA, and the Western Front Association. Central to Joanna’s approach to art history is an understanding of the context in which works of art were produced and experienced. This includes an awareness of social, political, cultural and economic factors. Her lectures and day courses are accompanied by extracts from music and literature of the periods in question. This interdisciplinary approach is not only in line with much of recent art historical scholarship but also aims to open up the ‘bigger picture’ for those attending.

Between 2017 and 2018 Joanna also ran the U3A film club in Glastonbury and, now a keen gardener, she opens her garden in support of the National Gardens Scheme and St. Margaret’s Hospice.