Dr Ailsa Boyd
@ailsaboyd.bsky.social
Victorian art history, design, literature, house history, Scottish heritage #retrofirst
Reposted by Dr Ailsa Boyd
It's official! 🏛️ 🎉 The SF Board of Supervisors has unanimously declared October 22, 2025 as Internet Archive Day — celebrating our 1️⃣ trillion webpages preserved & our mission to provide universal access to all knowledge.
Learn more & celebrate with us tonight! ➡️ blog.archive.org/2025/10/22/h...
Learn more & celebrate with us tonight! ➡️ blog.archive.org/2025/10/22/h...
October 22, 2025 at 3:09 PM
It's official! 🏛️ 🎉 The SF Board of Supervisors has unanimously declared October 22, 2025 as Internet Archive Day — celebrating our 1️⃣ trillion webpages preserved & our mission to provide universal access to all knowledge.
Learn more & celebrate with us tonight! ➡️ blog.archive.org/2025/10/22/h...
Learn more & celebrate with us tonight! ➡️ blog.archive.org/2025/10/22/h...
Reposted by Dr Ailsa Boyd
Dr. Jane Goodall filmed an interview with Netflix in March 2025 that she understood would only be released after her death.
October 5, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Dr. Jane Goodall filmed an interview with Netflix in March 2025 that she understood would only be released after her death.
There’s a new piece on my website about my recent trip to the South West to a church designed by #OwenJonesArchitect in 1847, St Bartholomew, Sutton Waldron. I was asked to speak at the celebration of the completion of major restorations to the church wall decorations by Owen Jones.
Owen Jones at St Bartholomew, Sutton Waldron
Last weekend I was invited to speak at the celebration of the completion of major restorations to the painted decorations of St Bartholomew, completed by Owen Jones in 1847.
ailsaboyd.wordpress.com
October 5, 2025 at 9:16 AM
There’s a new piece on my website about my recent trip to the South West to a church designed by #OwenJonesArchitect in 1847, St Bartholomew, Sutton Waldron. I was asked to speak at the celebration of the completion of major restorations to the church wall decorations by Owen Jones.
Owen Jones in Dorset
I am delighted to be speaking on Owen Jones in Sutton Waldron, Dorset, on Sat 26th September, to celebrate the completion of the restoration of St Bartholomew’s Church. St Bartholomew's, Sutton Waldron (c) Dominick Swift Jones decorated the interior of this 1847 Gothic church…
I am delighted to be speaking on Owen Jones in Sutton Waldron, Dorset, on Sat 26th September, to celebrate the completion of the restoration of St Bartholomew’s Church. St Bartholomew's, Sutton Waldron (c) Dominick Swift Jones decorated the interior of this 1847 Gothic church…
Owen Jones in Dorset
I am delighted to be speaking on Owen Jones in Sutton Waldron, Dorset, on Sat 26th September, to celebrate the completion of the restoration of St Bartholomew’s Church. St Bartholomew's, Sutton Waldron (c) Dominick Swift Jones decorated the interior of this 1847 Gothic church in his characteristic colourful style. There is a whole weekend of events planned, from a concert, exhibition, activities, thanksgiving service and talks by myself, Philip Emery and Caroline Dakers.
ailsaboyd.wordpress.com
September 8, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Owen Jones in Dorset
I am delighted to be speaking on Owen Jones in Sutton Waldron, Dorset, on Sat 26th September, to celebrate the completion of the restoration of St Bartholomew’s Church. St Bartholomew's, Sutton Waldron (c) Dominick Swift Jones decorated the interior of this 1847 Gothic church…
I am delighted to be speaking on Owen Jones in Sutton Waldron, Dorset, on Sat 26th September, to celebrate the completion of the restoration of St Bartholomew’s Church. St Bartholomew's, Sutton Waldron (c) Dominick Swift Jones decorated the interior of this 1847 Gothic church…
Reposted by Dr Ailsa Boyd
Checking off lots of items on Arendt’s list today
![Screenshot of document: “ according to Arendt, totalitarian regimes employ the following strategies to achieve and maintain power that
‘works from within,’ meaning on an individual,
psychological level:
1. denial of economic realities / promotion of
‘classless’ society and conversion of social /
economic classes into masses, or mobs
2. propaganda and suppression of the media
3. terror, which becomes an “essential function of
government”
4. imposed statelessness, by which regimes decree
who does and does not count as “citizens”
4. supplanting intellectuals and creatives: “The
consistent persecution of every higher form of intellectual
activity by the new mass leaders springs from more than
their natural resentment against everything they cannot
understand … Totalitarianism [] invariably replaces all
first-rate talents, regardless of their sympathies, with
those crackpots and fools whose lack of intelligence and
creativity is still the best guarantee of their loyalty”
(377).
5. the imperial boomerang, or the idea that
governments that develop repressive techniques to
control colonial territories will eventually deploy those
same techniques domestically against their own citizens.
6. fake government functions, organizations, or
agencies
7. loneliness”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:hdb2v3lkf3ydb64xyyhc4ymv/bafkreihrpcj5ydzfg5purjcljupqspqkeqci3fpwgtgk7z4peygxdcwubq@jpeg)
August 1, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Checking off lots of items on Arendt’s list today
Reposted by Dr Ailsa Boyd
Any time I talk about a wealthy person's outfit, someone in the comments is quick to reply: "They're rich, you think they care?" No one has to care about my opinions or clothes, regardless of net worth.
But let's talk about the connection between wealth and aesthetics 🧵
But let's talk about the connection between wealth and aesthetics 🧵
July 1, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Any time I talk about a wealthy person's outfit, someone in the comments is quick to reply: "They're rich, you think they care?" No one has to care about my opinions or clothes, regardless of net worth.
But let's talk about the connection between wealth and aesthetics 🧵
But let's talk about the connection between wealth and aesthetics 🧵
Sign the Petition
Save our School Librarians! Reverse proposed cuts to Glasgow schools
chng.it
June 26, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Reposted by Dr Ailsa Boyd
Every single high school in Glasgow will lose its librarian under the current plans.
It is happening after SNP and Green councillors voted for major education cuts in the Glasgow City Council budget.
It is happening after SNP and Green councillors voted for major education cuts in the Glasgow City Council budget.
EXCLUSIVE
'The young people of Glasgow deserve much better' 👇
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2526111...
@jamesmcenaney.bsky.social
'The young people of Glasgow deserve much better' 👇
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2526111...
@jamesmcenaney.bsky.social
June 23, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Every single high school in Glasgow will lose its librarian under the current plans.
It is happening after SNP and Green councillors voted for major education cuts in the Glasgow City Council budget.
It is happening after SNP and Green councillors voted for major education cuts in the Glasgow City Council budget.
Reposted by Dr Ailsa Boyd
Goodnight from Tony Smollet, slipping Mother Kemp’s malakins into the timber while volunteering to help build the St. John’s Eve bonefire. Goodnight from the Merry Maidens parade band, enjoying one last practice before summoning the Bone Horse tomorrow. Goodnight from Hookland.
June 22, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Goodnight from Tony Smollet, slipping Mother Kemp’s malakins into the timber while volunteering to help build the St. John’s Eve bonefire. Goodnight from the Merry Maidens parade band, enjoying one last practice before summoning the Bone Horse tomorrow. Goodnight from Hookland.
Transatlantic Literary Women Symposium 4-5 July, University of Derby/online. A fabulous group of speakers, from Wharton to the Harlem Renaissance with keynote from Dr Katharine Cox - Register here!
tiny.cc/43mn001
tiny.cc/43mn001
TLW Symposium 2025: Programme & Tickets
The Transatlantic Literary Women Symposium is happening at the University of Derby on the 4th-5th July 2025. It’s also a completely hybrid event, so you’re also able to tune in and part…
tiny.cc
June 22, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Transatlantic Literary Women Symposium 4-5 July, University of Derby/online. A fabulous group of speakers, from Wharton to the Harlem Renaissance with keynote from Dr Katharine Cox - Register here!
tiny.cc/43mn001
tiny.cc/43mn001
Reposted by Dr Ailsa Boyd
A few of my talks were postponed earlier this year for the #Glasgow 850 anniversary series, hosted by the Thomson Society. I was asked to share the new dates, so here you go!
Tickets not released yet, but book via www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-alexan...
#savethedate #history
#earlymodern #skystorians
Tickets not released yet, but book via www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-alexan...
#savethedate #history
#earlymodern #skystorians
June 22, 2025 at 12:10 PM
A few of my talks were postponed earlier this year for the #Glasgow 850 anniversary series, hosted by the Thomson Society. I was asked to share the new dates, so here you go!
Tickets not released yet, but book via www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-alexan...
#savethedate #history
#earlymodern #skystorians
Tickets not released yet, but book via www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-alexan...
#savethedate #history
#earlymodern #skystorians
Reposted by Dr Ailsa Boyd
Mortifying experience at Pulp last night but taking comfort that I’m not the worst person Jarvis Cocker has ever impersonated
June 20, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Mortifying experience at Pulp last night but taking comfort that I’m not the worst person Jarvis Cocker has ever impersonated
North Laurieston Masterplan Consultation 24 June ⬇️ www.urbanrealm.com/news/11507/N...
North Laurieston positioned as an extension of Glasgow city centre : June 2025 : News : Architecture in profile the building environment in Scotland - Urban Realm
North Laurieston positioned as an extension of Glasgow city centre, June 2025, News, Architecture and the built environment is an integral part of our society and we hope to provide a useful platform ...
www.urbanrealm.com
June 18, 2025 at 6:37 AM
North Laurieston Masterplan Consultation 24 June ⬇️ www.urbanrealm.com/news/11507/N...
Reposted by Dr Ailsa Boyd
ALL ABOARD! 🚂
📣SAVE LIVERPOOL STREET STATION!
The planning application for partial demolition of the listed station in the City of London to build a tower over it is now LIVE!!
Here's our guide to writing your objection by 4th July: bit.ly/3ZQRkk8
#heritage #cityoflondon
📣SAVE LIVERPOOL STREET STATION!
The planning application for partial demolition of the listed station in the City of London to build a tower over it is now LIVE!!
Here's our guide to writing your objection by 4th July: bit.ly/3ZQRkk8
#heritage #cityoflondon
June 6, 2025 at 12:17 PM
ALL ABOARD! 🚂
📣SAVE LIVERPOOL STREET STATION!
The planning application for partial demolition of the listed station in the City of London to build a tower over it is now LIVE!!
Here's our guide to writing your objection by 4th July: bit.ly/3ZQRkk8
#heritage #cityoflondon
📣SAVE LIVERPOOL STREET STATION!
The planning application for partial demolition of the listed station in the City of London to build a tower over it is now LIVE!!
Here's our guide to writing your objection by 4th July: bit.ly/3ZQRkk8
#heritage #cityoflondon
Reposted by Dr Ailsa Boyd
Do you fancy a free guided tour of Europe's oldest members owned and run swimming club? Founded in 1870 and Grade A listed. Book your here on the @WestFestGlasgow
tours: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/westfest-2... #glasgow #swimming #heritage #sport
tours: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/westfest-2... #glasgow #swimming #heritage #sport
June 1, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Do you fancy a free guided tour of Europe's oldest members owned and run swimming club? Founded in 1870 and Grade A listed. Book your here on the @WestFestGlasgow
tours: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/westfest-2... #glasgow #swimming #heritage #sport
tours: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/westfest-2... #glasgow #swimming #heritage #sport
This year I have been invited to deliver the following public talks, mostly as part of Glasgow 850 - see details on my latest blog.
Glasgow 850 Lectures in 2025 – so far
This year I have been invited to deliver the following public talks, mostly as part of Glasgow 850
ailsaboyd.wordpress.com
June 2, 2025 at 10:39 AM
This year I have been invited to deliver the following public talks, mostly as part of Glasgow 850 - see details on my latest blog.
A whiz through Glasgow's history by @murphyniallgla.bsky.social for #Glasgow850 which also describes some of the reasons for the depressing state of our built heritage.
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2520557...
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2520557...
Glasgow’s ‘blight and dereliction’ makes it ‘Britain’s Detroit’ – Niall Murphy
Nobody knows Glasgow better than architect Niall Murphy. To mark its 850th anniversary, he tells our Writer at Large about Glasgow’s journey from…
www.heraldscotland.com
June 1, 2025 at 12:43 PM
A whiz through Glasgow's history by @murphyniallgla.bsky.social for #Glasgow850 which also describes some of the reasons for the depressing state of our built heritage.
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2520557...
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2520557...
Reposted by Dr Ailsa Boyd
Word of the day is ‘forswunk’ (13th century): exhausted from too much work. I like to think that ‘foreswunk’ is to be exhausted before you even begin.
May 2, 2025 at 6:35 AM
Word of the day is ‘forswunk’ (13th century): exhausted from too much work. I like to think that ‘foreswunk’ is to be exhausted before you even begin.
Reposted by Dr Ailsa Boyd
📢 The Internet Archive needs your help.
At a time when information is being rewritten or erased online, a $700 million lawsuit from major record labels threatens to destroy the Wayback Machine.
Tell the labels to drop the 78s lawsuit.
👉 Sign our open letter: www.change.org/p/defend-the...
🧵⬇️
At a time when information is being rewritten or erased online, a $700 million lawsuit from major record labels threatens to destroy the Wayback Machine.
Tell the labels to drop the 78s lawsuit.
👉 Sign our open letter: www.change.org/p/defend-the...
🧵⬇️
April 17, 2025 at 4:51 PM
📢 The Internet Archive needs your help.
At a time when information is being rewritten or erased online, a $700 million lawsuit from major record labels threatens to destroy the Wayback Machine.
Tell the labels to drop the 78s lawsuit.
👉 Sign our open letter: www.change.org/p/defend-the...
🧵⬇️
At a time when information is being rewritten or erased online, a $700 million lawsuit from major record labels threatens to destroy the Wayback Machine.
Tell the labels to drop the 78s lawsuit.
👉 Sign our open letter: www.change.org/p/defend-the...
🧵⬇️
Reposted by Dr Ailsa Boyd
April 6, 2025 at 2:31 PM
A great turnout and enthusiastic audience yesterday for my lecture on ‘Ancient Inspiration for Modern Living: Alexander Thomson and Owen Jones’ for The Alexander Thomson Society @ Mitchell Library. Thank you everyone for coming and asking great questions!
#Glasgow850
#Glasgow850
April 6, 2025 at 11:12 AM
A great turnout and enthusiastic audience yesterday for my lecture on ‘Ancient Inspiration for Modern Living: Alexander Thomson and Owen Jones’ for The Alexander Thomson Society @ Mitchell Library. Thank you everyone for coming and asking great questions!
#Glasgow850
#Glasgow850
On Saturday I am giving a public lecture at The Mitchell Library, Glasgow for The Alexander Thomson Society - do come and hear me talk about two amazing Victorians! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ancient-in...
Ancient Inspiration for Modern Living: Alexander Thomson and Owen Jones
As almost direct contemporaries, both architects adapted ancient and Classical source material into dramatic buildings for the Victorian era
www.eventbrite.co.uk
April 3, 2025 at 12:31 PM
On Saturday I am giving a public lecture at The Mitchell Library, Glasgow for The Alexander Thomson Society - do come and hear me talk about two amazing Victorians! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ancient-in...
Reposted by Dr Ailsa Boyd
Today UK authors are protesting against Meta for stealing our work to train their AI model. Authors earn an average of £7000 per year, we are not rich, and yet a trillion dollar company decided it didn’t want to license our work fairly as it was “too expensive”
Theft is not a valid alternative.
Theft is not a valid alternative.
April 3, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Today UK authors are protesting against Meta for stealing our work to train their AI model. Authors earn an average of £7000 per year, we are not rich, and yet a trillion dollar company decided it didn’t want to license our work fairly as it was “too expensive”
Theft is not a valid alternative.
Theft is not a valid alternative.