Eleonora spent the month of May 2024 researching her thesis topic, ‘Andreus Grutinius’ Melancholiae descriptio (1597), with particular reference to its dedicatee Prince Mikolaj Krzysztof Radziwiłł ‘the Orphan’ (1549–1616) and the court milieu of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth’

In the Rare Materials Room of the library of the Wellcome Collection

It’s hard to sum up in just a few sentences all the opportunities, impressions, and experiences that the Robert Anderson Fund has provided me. My month in London has been incredibly productive and inspiring.

To summarize my experience, I would first highlight that the Robert Anderson Fund allowed me to access the rich collections of museums, libraries, and archives in London. Working at the British Library, the Warburg Institute Library, the Wellcome Collection Library, and other institutions, I was able to access the latest research literature, verify essential sources, and explore artifacts relevant to my study. This was incredibly useful for the paper I’m finishing and for planning future projects.

It’s also worth mentioning the events, seminars, and lectures organized for researchers in London. It is breathtaking how much the city has to offer academics. For instance, the ‘Renaissance Bodies’ seminar organized by Birkbeck University not only enriched my knowledge but also inspired me with its vibrant academic culture and engaging discussions.

Meeting scholars in my field was a particular highlight. Their insights and genuine interest in my research were highly motivating. I am very grateful to the staff of the libraries and archives I visited, especially the librarians at the Bodleian Library and various Oxford colleges. They provided me with valuable information and demonstrated a keen interest in my work, offering guidance and advice. The connections I made during my time in London are among the warmest memories of my trip and a crucial part of my career.

Lastly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Coordinator, Howard Davies, for his help and genuine attentiveness.

For more information about the other students in the 2024 cohort please see here.