Reading the signs: Conference at Kellogg college

Signs and symbols have been used throughout human history to record deeds, to project identity, and to convey messages over time and place. Their specific forms and meanings depend, however, on the society and culture in which they operate. Oxford Festival of the Arts is delighted to join Kellogg College and Oxford Lifelong Learning in presenting this interdisciplinary conference offering fresh perspectives on the signs and symbols used by medieval and Renaissance people. It is inspired by the work of the late Dr Cathy Oakes, FSA, and Kellogg Fellow and art historian. Cathy’s research interests were wide ranging, but she is particularly well known for her study of iconography in images of the Virgin Mary in medieval art and architecture. As her work showed, it is critical to appreciate the context in which signs and symbols were used so as to understand what they meant to those who made, saw (and heard) them.

At a time in our history when few people could read or write, when most communication was by word of mouth, when heads of state and others in authority had to project their power and influence over long distances, and when people had to trust to their powers of memory and their senses, the use of visual and oral signs, physical gestures, and material tokens was of special importance. Signs and symbols permeated all aspects of life, from religious devotion and liturgical practice to politics, personal relationships, trade and commerce, and the law. Extraordinary weather events were seen as portents; great decisions were guided by the movements of the stars. This day conference will offer ways of seeing the signs and symbols which were ubiquitous in our medieval and early modern past.

This is an academic conference in memory of a much loved and missed friend and inspiration, mentor, colleague, and respected art historian, Dr Cathy Oakes. The all-day conference will be held at The Hub, Kellogg College, 60-62 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6PN on Friday, 29 May, 2026.

Chair & Convenor: Professor Elizabeth Gemmill
Co-convenor: Dr Michelle Castelletti
Conference organisation: Kellogg College Oxford & Oxford Festival of the Arts

Conference Secretary: Craig Paterson
Festival Administrator: Milica Tičerić

Conference Schedule:

9.30am – 9.55am Registration & Coffee (& H&S briefing)
10am Welcome/Introduction

SESSION 1

10.10am – 11am KEYNOTE SPEAKER 1: Professor Elizabeth Gemmill, Professor Emerita in Medieval Economic and Social History; Fellow Emerita of Kellogg College
11.05am – 11.20am TEA/COFFEE & BISCUITS11.25am – 11.45am Paper 1
11.50am – 12.10pm Paper 2
12.15pm – 12.25pm Questions/discussion
12.30pm – 1.15pm LUNCH BREAK (Hot fork buffet, including three options, and dessert) **

SESSION 2

1.20pm Introduction 21.30pm – 2.20pm KEYNOTE SPEAKER 2: Dr Christine Jackson, Fellow Emerita of Kellogg College, University of Oxford
2.25pm – 2.45pm Paper 3
2.50pm – 3.10pm Paper 4
3.15pm – 3.25pm Questions/discussion
3.30pm – 3.45pm TEA/COFFEE & PASTRIES

SESSION 3

3.50pm Introduction 34pm – 4.25pm Paper 5 (including questions)
4.30pm – 5.20pm KEYNOTE SPEAKER 3: Dr Lynn Robson, Fellow Emerita of Regent’s Park College, University of Oxford
5.25pm – 5.35pm Closing remarks
5.40pm – 6.30pm Wine/Champagne Reception

** Current Menu:

Preserved Lemon, Roasted Vegetable and Chickpea Tagine (Ve)
Sriracha Honey Chicken with Spring Onions and Sesame
Mediterranean Fish Stew with Sultanas, Capers and Gremolata

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Fresh fruit platter (Ve)
Home-baked Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream (V)

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Host or Publisher Oxford Festival of the Arts