Call for papers

Workshop: Retailing, Commerce and the Human Body: Historical Approaches

The Centre for the History of Retailing and Distribution (CHORD) invites proposals for papers that explore the relationship between retailing, commerce and human bodies, in Britain and beyond. Any aspect of the commercial and retail practices that are connected to the business of exploiting, caring for or ‘improving’ bodies would be welcome and there are no restrictions in terms of the historical period covered.

Possible topics include (but are not limited to):
— Hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons
— Undertakers and funeral parlours
— Marketing, bodies and sexuality
— Tattoo parlours, tanning salons and opium dens
— Grooming products, perfumery and toiletries
— Measuring, fitting and ‘trying-on’
— Massage parlours, Turkish baths and spas
— Photography shops and portraiture

To submit a proposal, please send title and abstract of c. 400 words to Laura Ugolini at l.ugolini@wlv.ac.uk by 21 February 2014.

For further information, please e-mail: Dr Laura Ugolini at l.ugolini@wlv.ac.uk or Dr Karin Dannehl at k.dannehl@wlv.ac.uk

Deadline: February 21, 2014