Prunce chose ECA for the ability to study both History of Art and English Literature as well as the University’s location surrounded by Edinburgh’s green spaces. While at ECA, she enjoyed getting to explore a diverse range of subjects and being selected as a research assistant on one of her lecturer’s projects.

After graduation, Prune went on to obtain a masters degree and has now returned to ECA to study a PhD in History of Art.

Why ECA?

I loved studying English growing up, but History of Art was not a subject taught in my high school. Because of my love of history and art making, however, I was very keen to study History of Art at university. When I saw that the University of Edinburgh offered a dual degree in History of Art and English Literature, I decided to apply. Having both subjects made me feel a little bit safer about choosing a subject I did not know at the time. I’m very glad I made that decision.

Before accepting my offer, I travelled to Edinburgh to visit a friend who already lived there and fell in love with the city. I come from the French countryside, and I was so happy to not only find a campus that felt big and open, but also a city that was so overwhelmingly green. The relationship of Edinburgh to nature was a huge draw for me, and I quickly decided to accept my place at ECA.

Tell us about your time at ECA

I loved my time at the University of Edinburgh!

Through my double degree, I was able to study subjects ranging from Aztec imperial art to literature written in response to education under the English colonial empire. Edinburgh also offers a wide-spread array of electives, which I had a great time exploring. I took classes in subjects like Christian theology and jewellery-making. These learning experiences not only furthered existing interests, especially around premodern art and culture, but also allowed me to explore and continue challenging myself.

In 2023, I was incredibly lucky to be selected as a Research Assistant for a project on medieval psalters led by one of our ECA medieval lecturers, Professor Heather Pulliam. I really loved this experience. It gave me hands-on insight into the study of manuscripts and led me to decide that I wanted to continue studying medieval art.

Although I was drawn to medieval art history, I decided to focus my undergraduate research on the curatorial work of Lucy Lippard – an American feminist curator – which responded to my career motivations at the time (museum curation). I was extremely proud to be awarded the 2023 Association of Art History Dissertation Prize for this study, a prize awarded to one undergraduate dissertation in the UK every year. Excitingly, I was invited to attend the Association for Art History conference to receive my award in person. It was such a fantastic experience, and I would not have been able to do it without the support of my then supervisor, Dr Kirsten Lloyd. The experience definitely confirmed my love for academics and was a highlight of my undergraduate academic journey.

If I was to start again, I do not think I would do much differently. I am very thankful for my time here, especially because of the friends I made along the way. Leaving Edinburgh was difficult, but it didn’t last long. I have been back in the city for a year now!

Tell us about your experiences since graduating

Soon after graduating, I moved to London for a masters degree at The Courtauld Institute of Art. Combining skills I had gained in art history and literature at Edinburgh, I was keen to explore the intersection between motherhood and monstrosity in medieval literary texts. I really enjoyed this work and decided I would look to continue research into monstrous motherhood at a doctoral level at a later date.

Towards the end of my MA, I was elected Students’ Union President, and so stayed on at the university for an additional year. As a full-time team of one, I organised various student events, took part in university committees and forums, and represented student interests as a board member of The Courtauld. This was a fantastic and challenging experience, allowing me to advocate for the needs of students at all levels of the university and learn important skills not taught in my degrees. The achievement I am most proud of is probably introducing a free, need and trust-based Student Pantry funded through the reorganisation of the Students’ Union block grant!

During this time, I also prepared my applications for PhD programmes. I was incredibly well-supported by both staff of the Courtauld and the University of Edinburgh in this process, which made me appreciate the relationships I had built up during my MA and undergraduate degree. One of my Edinburgh lecturers introduced me to my now supervisor, Dr Jess Bailey! I am really thankful for this.

Through the award of the ECA College of Art Scholarship – a 3-year doctoral stipend – I was able to accept my PhD offer at ECA. I recently completed the first year of my research, and have absolutely loved returning to this city and community. It’s been a full-circle journey, and I really look forward to the years to come!

Alumni wisdom

Advice I have for someone entering their first year of university is that the university and the city is what you make it. Find what you care about and try your hand at it – effort is always appreciated!

As for someone graduating this year, my only reminder is that many things take time. In our current climate, finding work, community, and stability can be difficult. Don’t be too discouraged if that is the case, you are not alone. And make use of the University Careers Services  – you can still speak to career consultants after you graduate, use that resource!