Cynthia Johnston

Dr Cynthia Johnston is a Senior Lecturer in the History of the Book at the Institute of English Studies (University of London). She holds qualifications including a PhD from the University of London (2015), an MSt (Medieval Studies) from the University of Oxford, and prior degrees from New York University. Her research focuses on manuscript studies, paleography, and the cultural history of book collecting. Notable projects include curating the 'Cotton to Gold' exhibition (2015) on industrial-era collections and editing the Elements in Publishing and Book Culture series. She has supervised PhDs on topics such as heraldry in medieval psalters and erotic literature preservation. Her work bridges academic scholarship with public engagement through collaborations with museums like Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery. She actively participates in conferences, radio discussions, and interdisciplinary initiatives like the AHRC-funded 'Research in Translation' program.

• Education: BS, MA, MPhil (English, NYU); MSt (Medieval Studies, Oxford); PhD (University of London)
• Research: Manuscript decoration techniques, book collecting history, and medieval literary culture. Specializes in 12th–13th-century penflourishing and industrial-era philanthropy.
• Affiliations: Institute of English Studies, School of Advanced Study; board member at Blackburn Museum; member of the Palaeography Teachers Group.

Her publications include monographs on book collecting and peer-reviewed articles on manuscript aesthetics. She regularly contributes to public discussions on cultural heritage through media appearances and exhibitions.