Modernity-on-sea: architecture and urban planning on the British coast (c. 1945-79)

Supervisors: Dr Otto Saumarez Smith (Department of History of Art) & Professor Mathew Thomson (Department of History)

Funding: My research is funded through a CADRE scholarship (University of Warwick's Centre for Arts Doctoral Research Excellence).

Research: My research examines how British coastal resort towns responded to the tangible demands and aesthetic ideals of modernity during the postwar period. A subject matter thus far overlooked in architectural and urban histories, it seeks to complement an emerging urban history of postwar Britain told through its built environment. Exploring new materials from original archival research, my research will seek to offer an alternative analysis to scholarship that has tended to focus on the history of modernity in places defined by their newness. Examining questions at the intersection of architectural, cultural, and local history, it will contribute to an important need to better understand the history of Britain's coastal towns as 'left behind' places.

Professional background: A cultural producer, fundraiser, researcher and strategist, my work over the past twenty years has focused on championing cultural opportunities for all children and young people. Alongside my PhD research, I also work part-time at Arts Council England, where I contribute to research and policy work to enrich the creative lives of young people. I have previously held leadership roles at Gloucester Culture Trust, Eden Court Highlands, Company Three and Lyric Hammersmith, alongside voluntary trustee positions with organisations including interactive games-makers Coney. I am a Trustee of Folkestone’s Leas Lift and the Twentieth Century Society.

Academic background: MA History of Art, Birkbeck, University of London (2018/19), MA Cultural Policy, City University (2004-06).

I welcome questions and contributions to areas of interest or opportunities to collaborate in the development of public engagement activities. Please get in touch via adam.coleman@warwick.ac.uk or @adam-coleman.bsky.social (Bluesky).