Patty Baker

My guest this week is Patty Baker, Senior Lecturer in Classical & Archaeological Studies at the University of Kent. Patty, who is originally from Pennsylvania, has been at Kent for 18 years, and she talks about how it feels to go back and we discuss the concept of ‘home’ and the notion of moving on. We discuss what happens when you run into people from your past and the lessons that can be learned.

Patty talks about the different places where her family members have ended up and we move on to talk about the different dreams that we chase. She talks about her early memories and the calling she had to visit exotic places from childhood. We find out what initiated her love of archaeology, why she ‘had’ to go to Italy and how at the age of 15 she knew she was going to specialise in Graeco-Roman history.

Patty reveals that she had a passion for the sea from childhood, which takes her into a different world, and she talks about why she feels so healthy there. She also tells us about how she came across a seaside colouring book from when she was two.

Patty explains how she got into sailing, and we talk about the pitfalls in being pigeon holed in terms of who we are, and we learn that Patty once created her own coat of arms. She explains how her passion for flower arranging and her work on gardens in the ancient world came about, and we discuss the links between the past and the present as well as the various journeys involved in our studies.

Patty talks about the teachers who inspired her, including one who especially made History come alive, about being able to vote in both the UK and US as she has dual citizenship, and marching in Washington for causes around feminism and gender. We also discuss meeting celebrities or lecturers outside of their (and our) comfort zone.

Patty reveals why she likes reading obituaries and she tells us about the dream trip she once made to the South Pacific, which prompts a reflection on whether one’s expectations are entirely met when one goes on holiday.

In the final part of the interview Patty explains why she doesn’t like being nostalgic about past good memories and we learn what her 15 year old self would think about what she is doing now. She talks about why she didn’t want to relive the past when the opportunity once came up in the form of a reunion and we find out why Patty is a looking forward type of person.

Please note: Opinions expressed are solely those of Chris Deacy and Patty Baker and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the University of Kent.