Rosemary Shirley

Dr. Rosemary Shirley is an Associate Professor in Museum Studies at the University of Leicester's School of Museum Studies. Previously, she taught Art and Design History, Fine Art, and Curating at Manchester School of Art. She holds a master's in Contemporary Art Theory from Goldsmiths, University of London, and a PhD from the University of Sussex.

Her research examines how rural spaces are imagined and represented in contemporary/historical art, heritage organizations, and popular culture. This interdisciplinary work explores themes including litter, motorways, folk customs, migration, and electricity. Her approach emphasizes creative intersections between research, writing, and curatorial practice in museum contexts.