“Coaxing Nature to the Screen”: Frank Percy Smith and the Transformations of British Natural History in the Pre-WWII Era of Technological Innovation and Mass Entertainment

“Coaxing Nature to the Screen”: Frank Percy Smith and the Transformations of British Natural History in the Pre-WWII Era of Technological Innovation and Mass Entertainment

In the 2020s, the world looks to David Attenborough to reveal the wonders of nature on the screen. But in the 1920s that position was held by the London-born amateur naturalist turned “kinematographic wizard” Frank Percy Smith (1880-1945). Drawing on little-explored archival holdings on Smith at the National Science and Media Museum, the project will use Smith’s extraordinary career to open up new perspectives on how technological innovation – especially in the sound and vision technologies showcased in the Museum’s new galleries – has transformed the knowledge, practice and personnel of British natural history in the long twentieth century. 

How to apply

By 12 noon Wednesday 5 March 2025, applicants are required to submit to WRoCAH an Expression of Interest, which should include:

1. A CV with details of academic qualifications
2. A covering letter comprising a two-page statement to convey your motivation and enthusiasm for the project, and to demonstrate your suitability for your intended PhD studies with the University and Project Partner. The covering letter should specifically highlight the following:

• Your interest in the project and details on why you have chosen that University and Project Partner.
• How you will apply your current skills, knowledge and experience to undertake a PhD and the approach you would take to develop the project.
• How the project fits into your career plans and ambitions.

More details can be found here 

By 12th March 2025 – you should submit an application for an academic place for a PhD in the relevant School so we can ensure you meet the programme requirements before shortlisting.

You will also need to provide the following supporting documents:

• Degree transcripts and certificates
• Two references (ask your referees to send their references directly to the Graduate School. References can be on letter-headed paper or on the University of Leeds reference form).
• IELTS certificate (if appropriate)

17 March 2025 – the short-list of candidates to be invited for an interview will be announced. 

7-30 April 2025 – Online interviews will involve the academic supervisor, Project Partner supervisor and a member of the WRoCAH Studentships Committee. Please check the website for interview dates of the relevant project. 

Before applying for any WRoCAH Studentship, please first ensure that you have read the WRoCAH webpages about the WRoCAH training programme and requirements, as well as other funding opportunities http://wrocah.ac.uk/ 

As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+; and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability. 

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a first class or an upper second class Bachelors Honours degree in a relevant discipline as well as holding (or expecting to obtain) a relevant Masters degree with Merit (or its equivalent). Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements are advised to contact the admissions team prior to making an application.

English language requirements

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.