Richard Coulton

Dr Richard Coulton is a Reader in Eighteenth-Century Studies and Digital Humanities at Queen Mary University of London, School of English and Drama. He holds a BA from the University of Oxford, an MA and PhD from Queen Mary. His research focuses on intersections of digital humanities, plant humanities, and eighteenth-century studies, with emphasis on natural history and global networks like the East India Company. He collaborates with institutions such as the Natural History Museum and co-developed the Digital Texts platform showcasing East India Company archives. His teaching includes courses on digital practices, eighteenth-century literature, and London’s cultural history.

Education:

• BA English, University of Oxford
• MA Eighteenth-Century Literature and Romanticism, Queen Mary University of London
• PhD (AHRC-funded), Queen Mary University of London

Research & Collaborations: Explores global knowledge networks, natural history, and digital humanities. Active partnerships include projects on James Petiver, James Cuninghame, and the Sloane Herbarium. Co-edits Encountering Tea with UCL Press and leads digitization of Chinese botanical paintings from the East India Company era.

Teaching: Modules include 'Criticism and Code', 'Digitizing Eighteenth-Century Literature', and 'Empire of Tea'.

Advising & Grants: Supervises PhD projects on plant collectors, philanthropy, and gender in botany. Secured grants from Oak Spring Garden Foundation and AHRC for collaborative research.

Labs/Teams: Co-develops Digital Texts website with Matthew Mauger, integrating student editions of literary works and historical documents.