Linda Collins

Linda was born in London and educated in Surrey. She has always enjoyed art and history and puts this down to an excellent history teacher who reminded all his pupils that, 'always remember that these are people just like us'. Perhaps that is pushing things a little when considering Henry VIII but it is a view that has always made history seem more alive and personal. History and Art go hand in hand, of course, and as an art historian Linda has been lucky enough to have worked in close proximity to some of the most interesting, valuable and famous paintings in the world. Linda holds a BA in Early Italian art, an MA in the History of Art and a diploma in French language and culture. She was employed by Historic Royal Palaces as a guide/lecturer for more than twenty years, based principally at Hampton Court Palace. Linda is an accredited Arts Society lecturer, a member of the Association of Art Historians and a lecture organiser. She has appeared in the PBS TV programme, 'The Secrets of Henry VIIIs Palace', has spoken on a number of radio programmes and has lectured on numerous occasions across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Linda is honoured to have recently been invited to become President of the Arts Society for her area. A book that Linda and a few of her lecturing colleagues wrote a couple of years ago on the mishaps and amusing moments encountered as a travelling lecturer is proof that above all, Linda has an unwavering belief that art and history should be fun. She enjoys introducing and speaking on the subject that has become her passiion. Website and contact: www.lindacollins.info Also: www.thehistoryguides.co.uk