Dr. James Mckenzie-Hall
Art Historian | Lecturer | Guide-Conférencier (Paris)
Dr. James Mckenzie-Hall is an art historian, lecturer, and specialist guide based in Paris since 1984. A native of Oxfordshire, he has built an international reputation for his expertise in the history of art, illustrated books, and European cultural heritage.
Education
Dr. Mckenzie-Hall was educated at several leading institutions:
- Durham University
- The Courtauld Institute of Art
- Paris-Sorbonne University (Sorbonne IV)
He obtained a Master's degree in the History of Art from the Sorbonne with a dissertation entitled:
“Les Grandes Chroniques de France: histoire vernaculaire et images politiques à la fin du XIIIe siècle.”
In 2011, he was awarded a PhD from Southampton Solent University for his thesis:
“Illustrated Travel: Steel Engravings and their Use in Early Nineteenth-Century Topographical Books.”
Professional Work
Dr. Mckenzie-Hall lectures on art history in Paris and is an officially accredited guide-conférencier, a professional designation that authorizes him to lecture within France's major national museums and historic monuments.
He regularly gives lectures and leads tours in institutions including most Paris museums including:
- The Louvre
- Musée d'Orsay
In addition to museum lectures, he has delivered tutorials at academic institutions in Paris and has translated major exhibition catalogues from French into English.
Academic Interests and Editorial Work
Dr. Mckenzie-Hall's current research focuses on the history of the book, particularly illustrated travel literature and printing history.
He has published scholarly articles on these subjects and served as Reviews Editor of the Printing Historical Society journal (2015–2025).
Selected Publications
- “Hoverhawk: The Personal Story of the First Royal Helicopters” (Kindle Edition, 2023)
- “The D-Day Landings” (Audiobook, 2024), examining the history of the 1944 Normandy Landings
Personal Background
Dr. Mckenzie-Hall comes from a distinguished military and intelligence family.
His father, John Mckenzie-Hall (1923–2018), was a Second World War fighter pilot who later established and commanded the helicopter section of The Queen's Flight at RAF Benson.
His mother, June Mckenzie-Hall (1925–2018), worked in London for a public security service.