Martyna Zielinska

Please tell us about your research project.
My PhD research focuses on Catharine Weed Barnes Ward (1851-1913) and her work as a photographer and writer between the US and GB 1885-1913.  The temporary title of my thesis is: ''Itineraries, practices, circulation of works of women photographers between North America and Great Britain at the turn of the 20th century: photographic and press archives of Catharine Weed Barnes/Ward''. The work will also take into account the partnership with Barnes's husband Henry Snowden Ward (1865-1911).

Could you please tell us a bit more about your scholarship/exchange programme?
My research is possible thanks to the international doctoral contract which is a fruit of collaboration between Université de Paris Diderot, LARCA / CNRS  and Maison Française d'Oxford. It enables me to spend the majority of my PhD in Oxford, work on British archives and elaborate a comparative study with the American archives.  

First impressions of Oxford/the University?
Oxford is a very privileged place to conduct one's research in anglophone 19th century-related subjects because of the accessibility of primary sources and various archives. It is also a great place for amateurs of choral music which is open to everybody (famous Evensongs) and at an outstanding level of excellence.