Rebecca J. I. Mellor, PhD
Curator of Art & Visual Culture
Science Museum Group
Curator | Researcher | Advocate
Rebecca J. I. Mellor is a curator, researcher, lecturer, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ visibility with over 10 years of experience in the museum and heritage sector.
Her research explores classical reception, sexuality in art and material culture, the history of censorship in British museums, digital humanities, and celebrates the stories of marginalised groups in GLAM and large institutions.
Areas of Expertise
I take a truly interdisciplinary approach to the history of art and museology, combining historical insight with a forward-thinking perspective on contemporary museum practices. My work focuses on exploring practical ways to promote diversity and inclusion within museum spaces, ensuring that these environments and my academic presentations are accessible and engaging for all audiences.
Topics of interest include:
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Classical Reception
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18th & 19th century Collecting and Display practices
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The Collections of Richard Payne Knight and George Witt
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Secret Museums (The Museum Secretum at the British Museum)
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British Art of the 19th Century (in particular queer art)
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The Neo-classical Nude in British painting
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Priapic art in imperial Rome, particularly Pompeii & Herculaneum
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Greco-Roman Anatomical Votives
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Queering museum and heritage collections
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Queer stories in the history of STEM
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Building successful staff networks