Robert Finnigan obtained his PhD at the University of Sunderland and is currently researching Anglo-Irish contributions to Aestheticism and Decadence within the fin de siècle period. His primary research interests lie in the areas of Pre-Raphaelitism, Aestheticism, Decadence and the Irish Gaelic Revival, as well as forgotten, neglected and repressed authors. For several years, he has been involved in N.E.I.C.N (North East Irish Culture Network) activities and events to promote and encourage research into the various characteristics of Irish culture and society.