Society for Renaissance Studies
The Institute of Historical Research hosted a small gathering on the 12th of July 1967. Denys Hay chaired this meeting where historians and art historians gathered to discuss a new organization. Ernst Gombrich and Kenneth Clark attended alongside Sydney Anglo, who would become the society's first secretary. These figures established the Society for Renaissance Studies that same year. Their goal was to create an interdisciplinary forum for scholars in the UK and Ireland. The group met to define their scope and begin organizing future activities.
Peter Murray served as the first chair from 1967 until 1970. Nicolai Rubinstein took over the role starting in 1970 and led until 1973. John Hale followed him and held the position through 1976. Margaret Mann Phillips became chair in 1976 and served three years. Dominic Baker-Smith led the society from 1980 to 1983 before Peter Burke assumed office. Sydney Anglo served as chair between 1986 and 1989 after holding the title of secretary earlier. Robert Knecht guided the group from 1989 to 1992 while Susan Foister led from 1992 to 1995. Francis Ames-Lewis served from 1995 to 1998 and Gordon Campbell from 1998 to 2001. David Chambers took charge from 2001 to 2004 and Brian Vickers from 2004 to 2007. John Law served from 2007 to 2010 and Judith Bryce from 2010 to 2013. Peter Mack led from 2013 to 2016 and Andrew Hadfield from 2016 to 2019. Richard Wistreich served from 2019 to 2022 and Jane Grogan from 2022 to 2025. Hannah Murphy is scheduled to begin her term in 2025.
The society publishes a flagship journal titled Renaissance Studies for the field. This publication serves as a central resource for scholars studying the era. The organization also maintains a book series initiative to support scholarly works. These publications help disseminate research across the UK and Ireland. They provide a platform for new ideas and established theories within the discipline. The journal and books remain key tools for academic exchange today.
Financial support flows through the society to fund various research projects. Members apply for grants that assist their scholarly endeavors. The allocation of funds helps sustain work on Renaissance topics. This mechanism ensures that researchers can pursue specific inquiries without financial barriers. The process involves reviewing proposals and distributing resources accordingly. Such funding supports the broader goal of interdisciplinary study.
Events connect scholars across the United Kingdom and Ireland regularly. The group organizes a wide range of activities to foster collaboration. These programs bring together historians, art historians, and other experts. Participants engage in discussions about the Renaissance period. The forum encourages dialogue between different fields of study. It creates opportunities for networking and shared learning among members.
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Common questions
When was the Society for Renaissance Studies founded?
The Society for Renaissance Studies was established in 1967 following a meeting on the 12th of July 1967. Denys Hay chaired this initial gathering where historians and art historians decided to create the organization.
Who served as the first chair of the Society for Renaissance Studies?
Peter Murray held the position of chair from 1967 until 1970. He succeeded Denys Hay who chaired the founding meeting but did not serve as the official chair of the society itself.
What is the flagship journal published by the Society for Renaissance Studies?
The society publishes a journal titled Renaissance Studies which serves as a central resource for scholars studying the era. This publication helps disseminate research across the UK and Ireland alongside their book series initiative.
How does the Society for Renaissance Studies support financial research projects?
Financial support flows through the society to fund various research projects via grants that members apply for. The allocation of funds ensures researchers can pursue specific inquiries without financial barriers while reviewing proposals accordingly.
Where do events organized by the Society for Renaissance Studies take place?
Events connect scholars across the United Kingdom and Ireland regularly through activities organized by the group. These programs bring together historians, art historians, and other experts to foster collaboration on Renaissance topics.