Frances Varley

Dr. Frances Varley is an Associate Lecturer in Art History at The Courtauld Institute of Art, specializing in 19th-century British and American art, with a focus on collecting practices and identity formation. She holds a PhD (2024) and MA from The Courtauld, and a BA in History from Somerville College, University of Oxford (2014–2017).

Her research examines how art collections reflect individual and communal identities, particularly in Manchester and Philadelphia (c.1870–1914). She teaches modules on 19th-century art for undergraduates and master’s students, emphasizing comparative case studies across Britain and the US.

• Education:
• PhD: The Courtauld Institute of Art (2020–2024)
• MA History of Art: The Courtauld Institute of Art (2018–2019)
• BA (Hons) History: Somerville College, University of Oxford (2014–2017)

Her work has been supported by grants such as the ENHANC/Research England Award (2024) and the Terra Foundation Travel Grant (2021). She has presented at conferences including the Association for Art History Annual Conference, Tate Britain, and Yale University.

Frances also organizes academic events like Anatomy of an Art World: The American Scene c.1850–1950 and lectures at institutions like the National Gallery, London. She serves as Reviews Editor for Brief Encounters Journal and contributes to public engagement through interviews and digital platforms.