Exploring the Cultural Histories of the North East: Audrey Amiss

Join us for the first of a new annual Geographies of Life series celebrating and exploring the cultural histories of the North East through the lens of an artist's work. This workshop will focus on the work of Audrey Amiss. Born in Sunderland in 1933, Audrey once described her occupation as ‘typist artist pirate king,’ and through her artistic practice produced vast volumes of work documenting her everyday life — in sketchbooks, diaries and scrapbooks — which were shared with the Wellcome Collection after her death in 2013. 

In conversation with Dr Robin Finlay, Dr Caroline Mitchell and artist Lyn Killeen, we will discuss and explore the life and work of Audrey Amiss, speaking to topics of art, class, gender and mental health in Sunderland. 

We encourage attendees to listen to the Rebel Women of Sunderland podcast episode on Audrey Amiss released in March 2025. 

Speakers: 

Dr Robin Finlay, Partnerships Manager and Research Associate, Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion, University of Sunderland 

Dr Caroline Mitchell, Professor of Radio and Participation, University of Sunderland 

Lyn Killeen, Artist