This summer, I will be working on a research project that explores how history can be made more engaging and accessible through creative interpretation. Based at the University of Leeds and in collaboration with the Royal Armouries Museum, the project invites us to rethink how medieval arms and armour are presented to public audiences, particularly young people.

My research project, “Creative Approaches to the Historical Collections of the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds,” is supervised by Dr Iona McCleery. The museum houses a vast collection of arms and armour, many of which remain underexplored by general audiences. This project challenges scholars to bring the medieval collection of arms and armour to life through creative methods such as storytelling, visual art, photography, or digital media. The aim is not only to communicate historical knowledge, but also to spark curiosity and make these artefacts meaningful and accessible to a wider audience.

Over the course of the project, I will begin by familiarising myself with the museum’s collection and conducting research into selected objects and their historical contexts. I will then trace the life, use, and cultural significance of particular items, while considering how these stories can be translated into an engaging creative format.

A key aspect of the project is reflecting on the broader dimensions of arms and armour collections, including their ethical, cultural, political, and gendered implications. This will allow me to critically engage with how such objects are interpreted and displayed, particularly in relation to global histories and contemporary audiences.

In addition, I will attend the Leeds International Medieval Congress, where I will have the opportunity to engage with current research, observe historical re-enactments, and interact with scholars and practitioners from around the world. These experiences will inform both the academic and creative aspects of my project.

The project encourages an approach that combines creativity with research. Hence, the final outcome will be a creative piece, potentially a digital exhibition or narrative-based work, designed to communicate historical insights in an imaginative way.

Ultimately, this project wishes to bridge the gap between academic research and public engagement, making some less well-known objects in the collection more accessible while maintaining historical interest and relevance.