Louise Calf

Louise wears two professional hats at Warwick. She is a post-doctoral research assistant working with Dr. David Coates on the ERC-funded Performing CitizenshipLink opens in a new window project. She also provides administrative support for the organisation of the TaPRA 2025 conferenceLink opens in a new window.

By training (LAMDA) and practice, Louise is an actor. She also holds a Masters degree in the Conservation of Historic Buildings (University of York), and is in the post-viva phase of her interdisciplinary CDA PhD in Buildings Archaeology and Theatre Studies (University of York & Chatsworth House Trust). Her thesis examined the architectural, spatial and social evolution of the theatre in Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, from 1823 to 1907. By combining methodologies from buildings archaeology and theatre history, the thesis extends and amplifies readings of material culture in relation to the performance space, and its interconnections with people and the wider estate. Until the thesis is available online, you can learn more about the history of Chatsworth's theatre - and its archive - via the blog series hereLink opens in a new window.

Louise is also a parent. The intersection of being a PGR/ECR and a primary carer of a young child presents acute and specific challenges. Louise is open to offering an ear to anyone in a similar position.

Awards, papers, media and publications

Paper [forthcoming]: 'The gardener, the agent, the cabinet maker: the 'amateur' builders and managers of Chatsworth's private theatre, 1895-1902', Amateur Acts: Why amateur theatre matters', Performing Citizenship International Conference, Venice, September 2025.

Paper: ‘Backstage at the Country House: the Construction and Management of Chatsworth’s Theatre, 1895-1902’, Everyday Life in the Country House, 23rd Annual Historic Houses International Conference, Maynooth University, May 2025.

Award: Winner, Humanities Research Centre (HRC) Poster Competition, 2025, University of York.

Publication: Calf, L., 2022, ‘A ‘Room to Make a Row in’: Establishing The Origins of Chatsworth’s Theatre’, Theatre Notebook, 76:3, 134-153.

Media: Contributor, 2^nd February 2021, ‘Chatsworth House: A Great British Year’, episode 5, More4.