As an undergraduate, I studied Fine Art at Bath Academy of Art, before going on to study an MA and then a PhD in Cultural Studies at the University of Birmingham.
For many years I lectured on Art, Design and Media courses, specialising in Visual Culture.
My academic career has included the management of the Department of Art & Design and subsequently the Department of Creative Industries, at the University of the West of England, Bristol.
In 2012 I was elected to the CHEAD executive, and appointed as Associate Dean for Learning & Teaching in the Faculty of Art, Design, and Architecture (now Kingston School of Art) at Kingston University in 2013. I achieved my Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in 2017.
My research interests include:
- the historical development of consumer culture and the emergence of new markets for cultural goods;
- the role of consumers in driving innovation;
- the convergence of creative practices;
- the relationships between creative industries and higher education;
- theories of creativity and pedagogical practices.