About

Dr. Aimee Blackledge lives a life deeply intertwined with art and its stories, a journey that began with a captivating encounter with Rembrandt's paintings at the Detroit Institute of Arts when she was twelve. This early fascination evolved into a distinguished academic career, culminating in a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in the history of art from the University of Oxford. Her research as an art historian meticulously explored the intersection of fact and fiction in artists' biographies, revealing how material histories and storytelling shape our understanding of the creative life.

Now she uses her historical expertise and vivid imagination to create stories that illuminate the universal human experience. Her creative path intensified after leaving academia, when she honed her craft through writing programs at Writing on the Wall in Liverpool, mentored by figures such as Amina Atiq and Joelle Taylor, winner of the T.S. Eliot Prize. This period led to her debut collection of ekphrastic poems, Ghost Bones, as well as published works in anthologies such as Facing the Fire and Visual Verse.

Aimee is currently at work on her second historical novel, which focuses on the later life of Hester Tradescant in South Lambeth, London.

Her debut novel, Clouded in Clerkenwell, is currently being serialised in weekly instalments on Substack. Set in tumultuous 17th-century London, this gritty historical thriller masterfully weaves together the vibrant art world with a chilling tale of accidental death, hidden ambition, and dark secrets. Each week brings a new chapter, transporting readers directly into the heart of a gripping tale of artistic striving and unforeseen consequences. She invites readers who share her passion for gripping and immersive historical narratives to join her weekly journey on Substack.