Simon Grennan

Dr. Simon Grennan is a Professor of Art and Design and Associate Dean, Research and Innovation, at the University of Chester's Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Education. He leads strategic initiatives for the university's research excellence and knowledge exchange frameworks. An internationally recognized scholar, Grennan specializes in visual narrative research, focusing on drawing, comic strips, 19th-century word-and-image studies, and post-colonial publishing history. He has held roles as a Leading Research Fellow and Director of Grennan & Sperandio, a commercial visual arts studio since 1990.

Education

• PhD in Visual Narrative, University of the Arts London (2008–2011)
• MFA in Fine Art, University of Illinois at Chicago (1988–1990)
• BA in Fine Art, University of Reading (1984–1988)

Research & Knowledge Exchange

Grennan’s work bridges theory, history, and practice. Key interests include global drawing histories, Victorian comic strips, and periodical publishing. He has secured significant grants, including projects on Marie Duval's legacy and decolonizing graphic adaptations of Robert Louis Stevenson’s works.

Teaching & Supervision

He teaches across Visual Arts, Design, and English, supervising postgraduate research in Art and Design. Recent teaching includes modules like Cave Drawings to Hip-Hop to Videogames: How Stories Work.

Professional Activities

Grennan chairs ethics and research committees at the University of Chester and serves on editorial boards for journals like Journal of Comics and Graphic Novels. His 2024 conference papers address topics like collage workshops in Sāmoa and Hawaii, and the business of global comics.

Labs & Collaborations

Co-director of Grennan & Sperandio studio since 1990, producing over 40 books. Collaborations include graphic adaptations of literary works and community engagement projects.