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Uni lecturer gets 'Swiftie' fandom role at V&A

Getty Images Taylor Swift performing liveGetty Images
Taylor Swift is currently preparing to play five concerts at Wembley Stadium

A university lecturer from West Yorkshire has beaten more than 1,000 other Taylor Swift superfans to help create an exhibition at a top London museum celebrating the pop music star.

Dr Iona Murphy, an English literature lecturer at Huddersfield University, answered a call from the Victoria & Albert (V&A) in London to advise on Taylor Swift fandom and the singer-songwriter's ongoing Eras Tour in the UK.

Dr Murphy was one of just four "Swifties" chosen for the role, and her insights have helped inform a collection dedicated to the superstar currently on display at the V&A

She said the experience had been "incredible", adding: "It was an absolute dream come true."

University of Huddersfield Dr Iona MurphyUniversity of Huddersfield
Dr Iona Murphy says she is a self-confessed Taylor Swift superfan

Dr Murphy said she "never imagined" she would get the job when she applied to become an adviser for the Taylor Swift/Songbook Trail display at the V&A, despite friends telling her she would be a "perfect" fit.

"It was one of those things you apply for thinking that would be my dream job, because everyone listens to me talk about Taylor Swift all the time for free," she said.

Dr Murphy, who said she had been a Swiftie for "as long as I can remember", described the application process as "really fun".

"I had to pick three items from the V&A and write a little bit about how they could be related to Taylor Swift.

"That kind of analysis is right up my street as someone who does English literature."

Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire Costumes worn by Taylor Swift on the 1989 World Tour on show at the V&AJordan Pettitt/PA Wire
Costumes worn by Taylor Swift on the 1989 World Tour are among those on show at the V&A

Dr Murphy said she picked a piece of fabric which was "a homage to the poet Emily Dickinson".

"I wrote about the parallels between Emily Dickinson as a writer and Taylor Swift, and since then it has been revealed they are sixth cousins."

Dr Murphy, who studied Sylvia Plath as part of her PhD, said the Taylor Swift exhibition at the V&A "was a great way to inspire people to visit museums", especially for those who would not normally go.

The Taylor Swift/Songbook Trail exhibition at the V&A runs until 8 September.

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