Lincoln Bishop University recently welcomed staff, students, and community members to a captivating afternoon dedicated to the enduring appeal of fairy tales. The “Once upon a Wednesday afternoon” event, organised by the university’s English Literature academics, explored both the historical significance and contemporary evolution of this beloved literary genre.
The Intersection of Research and Community Engagement
The event emerged from shared research interests among faculty members teaching on the MA in Children’s Literature and Literacies and MA in English Literature programmes. This collaborative approach exemplifies how research-led teaching enriches the student experience at Bishop Grosseteste University.
The timing of the event coincided with the opening of a major new exhibition at the British Library titled “Fairy Tales,” which runs from 27th March until 23rd August. This strategic alignment demonstrated the university’s commitment to engaging with broader cultural conversations in the literary world.
The event was hosted by two of the university’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Units (RKEU): Literature and Literacies (LILI) and Representing the Past: Cultures, Narratives, Legacies. Professor Claudia Capancioni chaired the proceedings, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encouraged attendees to fully engage with the material.
International Perspectives on Fairy Tale Scholarship
The event featured two distinguished speakers who brought unique international perspectives to fairy tale studies. Professor Keiko Kiriyama, Professor of English Literature at Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan, and Visiting Professor of English Literature at Lincoln Bishop University, presented research on “Longing for Japan: Mrs. Oscar Wilde’s Fairy Tales.”
Professor Kiriyama’s presentation examined the fairy tales written by Constance, wife of Oscar Wilde, with particular attention to a tale she set in Japan. This fascinating exploration of cross-cultural literary influence highlighted how fairy tales have long served as vehicles for exploring different cultures and perspectives.
“We look forward to welcoming Professor Kiriyama back at the start of next academic year when she will spend longer with us and inspire more exciting, research-led public events,” Professor Capancioni noted, emphasising the university’s commitment to fostering international academic partnerships.
Contemporary Children’s Publishing and Fairy Tale Serialisation
Dr Amy Webster, Senior Lecturer in Education Studies at Lincoln Bishop University, presented research on the prominent position of fairy tales in today’s British children’s publishing industry. Her paper, titled “Once upon a time…in a series not so far away: The serialisation of fairy tales in contemporary British children’s publishing,” examined how fairy tales have become increasingly commercialised through dedicated series.
Dr Webster’s research focused particularly on the Ladybird series and explored what she describes as the “homogenisation” of fairy tales in contemporary British series. Her work examines how these classic stories are transformed into commercial products and how this transformation impacts their reception among young readers.
As a lecturer on the MA in Children’s Literature and Literacies programme, Dr Webster brings her research directly into the classroom, ensuring students benefit from cutting-edge scholarship in the field. Her book, “Serialization, Commercialization and the Children’s Classics,” was published last year in Bloomsbury’s Perspectives on Children’s Literature series.
The Value of Research-Led Public Events
Dr Mary Louise Maynes, who leads the Literature and Literacies RKEU, praised the way the two presentations complemented each other: “The two talks worked so well together, exploring both historical and contemporary aspects of fairy tales.”
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, with Japanese matcha cookies awarded to those who asked the most thoughtful questions. This thoughtful touch reflected the international themes explored throughout the afternoon.
“We had a really magical time,” Professor Capancioni commented, highlighting the relaxing and welcoming atmosphere that encouraged attendees to fully immerse themselves in the topic—aligning with the spirit of the National Year of Reading 2026 campaign.
Explore English Literature at Bishop Grosseteste University
Events like “Once upon a Wednesday afternoon” demonstrate the vibrant academic community at Lincoln Bishop University and the opportunities available to students studying English Literature and Children’s Literature. The university’s commitment to research-led teaching means students benefit from academics who are actively contributing to their fields.
Whether you’re interested in exploring classic fairy tales from an academic perspective or examining how children’s literature continues to evolve in the modern publishing landscape, Bishop Grosseteste University offers programmes that combine scholarly rigour with practical relevance.
Explore the range of English Literature courses available at Lincoln Bishop University and discover how you can join a community of scholars passionate about literature and its cultural significance.
Have questions about studying Children’s Literature or English Literature at university? Get in touch with the admissions team to learn more about programme options and entry requirements.
Interested in attending future public events hosted by the university’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Units? Check the university events calendar for upcoming academic lectures, workshops, and community engagement opportunities.
Share your thoughts on the evolution of fairy tales in modern publishing in the comments below—what changes have you noticed in how classic stories are presented to young readers today?
