I began my part time collaboratively funded doctorate in June 2018 with the Centre for West Midlands History and the Black Country Living Museum. My studentship is funded by Arts Council England with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund which forms part of the Museum’s expansion programme called Forging Ahead. My research on brickmaking in the Black Country will include the early development of brickmaking in the region through to 1945 and will help guide plans for brickworks at the Museum. Research themes include transportation, the development of blue brick and the role of women brickmakers through history.