About
Professor Ian Cook is a cultural geographer at the University of Exeter’s Department of Geography, focusing on trade justice and creative practices that make tangible the lives of commodity producers. He founded the spoof website followthethings.com to curate and analyze creative works exploring trade ethics.
- Affiliation: University of Exeter (2007–2025); previously at University of Wales, Lampeter (1993–1999) and University of Birmingham (1999–2007)
- Research Group: Cultural & Historical Geographies Research Group (CHGRG)
- Education: BSc Human Sciences (UCL, 1986), MA Human Geography (University of Kentucky, 11989), PhD Human Geography (University of Bristol, 1997)
His work integrates collaborative arts/activism projects, including Dust (2015 with Joan & Neville Gabie) and the Museum of Contemporary Commodities (2012–2022 with Paula Crutchlow). He recently collaborated with Fashion Revolution on educational initiatives, serving as their “education maestro and general agitator.”
Cook’s approach challenges traditional academic authorship through the collective persona “Ian Cook et al.”, emphasizing partial, non-impartial research that incorporates multiple voices and socio-technical hybrids. His work intersects with sustainable development goals like poverty reduction, gender equality, and responsible consumption.
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