Susan Platt

Susan Platt is a Senior Lecturer in BA(Hons) Graphic Design at Manchester School of Art, Manchester Metropolitan University. Her practice spans illustration, artist book production, and curation, with significant contributions to visual culture through The Society of The Spectacles research collective.

Her research centers on autobiographical and cathartic narratives exploring cinematic influences on female perspectives, the misuse of language, and appropriation of text and image. Key interests include:

• Biographical photographic self-representation
• Material metaphors in grief and identity
• Historical typography and letterpress printing
• Textile-based narrative expression
• Contemporary artist book production

Platt's recent outputs demonstrate strong trends in interdisciplinary visual storytelling, particularly through artist books and curated exhibitions examining cultural artifacts. Her work frequently bridges academic research with practical making, emphasizing materiality in narrative construction.

Professional activities include:

• Co-founding The Society of The Spectacles (2012)
• Curating "Strelnikov's Glasses" exhibition at HOME Manchester (2017)
• Contributing to international book arts festivals in Denmark and Japan
• Collaborating with Manchester Modernist Society on architectural projects

Platt maintains active creative practice alongside teaching, with recent focus on birdwatching-inspired watercolors and ongoing exploration of visual autobiography.