Dr Thomas-Leo True has taken up the position of Assistant Director at the BSR, after two years working at Sir John Soane's Museum.
Working on the Papal States during the long 16th century, his interests include
Romanitas and cultural identity, artistic geographies and the role of localism on art, and cultural display as an instrument of control to cement periphery to centre.
Tom's current research focuses on the sociological, political and cultural relationship between Rome and its dependent territories, concentrating on the Marche, Emilia Romagna, parts of Umbria, and other outcrops of papal dominion.
He is interested in the many independent minor lordships entrenched within the politically fragmented Papal States, and the socio-cultural developments that enabled, celebrated and sustained their assimilation into the lands of the Church.
As a demon bowler, he is also hoping to break into the Vatican cricket team.