¾«¶«´«Ã½

Have you ever entered a space, a room, a building and felt that you don’t belong there, or that you’re not safe there? For some people, this is a daily occurrence.

Too much public space marginalises rather than includes, whilst safety features are often designed more to protect property than people. The existence of campaigning organisations such as ‘Make Space for Girls’ indicate how much public spaces have not always been designed for all.

So, what makes a space ‘public’? And how can such places be made accessible, safe and welcoming?

Using Bath and Bristol (among others) as examples, Professor Pippa Catterall will explore the nature and history of public space and the kind of interventions that might help to make public spaces work for.

About the speaker

Pippa Catterall is Professor of History and Policy at the University of Westminster. She is a trustee of the Heritage of London Trust, a member of the Valuation Tribunal for England and the founding editor of National Identities. Her current research focuses on heritage, representation and inclusion in public space and recent publications include her co-authored report on Queer Perspectives on Public Space (2024).

Booking information

  • Advance booking for this event is required.
  • To book tickets, please visit . If you have any questions about this event, please email events@rgs.org
  • If you require assistance with your booking, please visit .
  • Society members can book discounted tickets by entering the code RGS50 at checkout.

This event has been organised by the South West regional committee.

Venue information

This event will be held at , Queen Square, 16 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN.

Accessibility at our events

We want everyone to feel welcome at our events. For full details, . If you have any questions or specific access requirements, feel free to get in touch with us on access@rgs.org

You may also be interested in...

  • ExhibitionWildfire at night with large plumes of smoke as seen from above.

    Earth Photo: Bowood House

    Visit Bowood House to see a stunning selection of the selected and winning images from this years competition.

  • LectureAnne Strathie posing for a photo in front of the natural harbour on Deception Island.

    A history of polar exploration in 50 objects - Exeter

    Writer, biographer and researcher Anne Strathie shares stories of objects from key periods in polar exploration history, from Cook’s circumnavigations in the 1770s to the aviation age of the early 1930s.

    £10.00 - £12.00
  • LectureAnne Strathie posing for a photo in front of the natural harbour on Deception Island.

    A history of polar exploration in 50 objects - Falmouth

    Writer, biographer and researcher Anne Strathie shares stories of objects from key periods in polar exploration history, from Cook’s circumnavigations in the 1770s to the aviation age of the early 1930s.

    £12.00 - £15.00

Key Information

Open to all
9 September 2025, 7.30pm-9.30pm
Bath and online

In-person
Member £3.00, Non-member £6.00