Dr Sarah Whittingham is an historian based in the south west of England, who specialises in the social history, architecture, and gardens of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Her work includes writing books and articles, researching and writing building histories, giving lectures, teaching university courses and summer schools, and leading popular architectural walks and tours.

Sarah's book The Victorian Fern Craze was published in 2009. The first edition sold out, and it has been reprinted. Also in that year, she wrote and produced The University of Bristol: A History, and curated an exhibition: 'The University of Bristol's Buildings: Past, Present and Future' at the Architecture Centre, Bristol. Both projects were part of the celebrations to mark the University's centenary.

Her major biography Sir George Oatley: Architect of Bristol came out in May 2011, and in February 2012 Frances Lincoln are publishing Fern Fever: The Story of Pteridomania. As well as lecturing on the fern craze, Sarah has appeared on television talking about Pteridomania, and has written articles on it for a number of publications, including the Victorian Society's Journal, the National Trust magazine, Country Life, The English Garden and Heritage.

Visit Sarah's Facebook page for news and details of where she is lecturing next