Ravensbourne University London lecturer publishes groundbreaking book examining career of British woman film director Wendy Toye
Publication date:
Ravensbourne University London is proud to celebrate the publication of a new book by one of its academic staff, marking a significant contribution to women’s film history.
Wendy Toye, written by Dr. Iram Qureshi, explores the remarkable career and legacy of one of Britain’s most prolific, versatile and pioneering directors. Published by Manchester University Press as part of its British Film Makers series, the book was released on 20 January, 2026.
Notably, Wendy Toye is the first book in the British Film Makers series to focus on a woman director, and one of only a small number of academic works dedicated to British women filmmakers. It is also the first book about an individual mainstream British film director from the 1950s written by a British author.
Iram quote
My research into Wendy Toye’s career and legacy has reinforced the importance of exploring the hidden treasures of British cinema in order to understand its rich history. As one of the most prolific British women directors, Toye’s sustained work in post-war mainstream cinema places her at the centre of any serious discussion of women’s contributions to film during a period when executive roles were largely closed to women.”
The book discusses Toye’s extensive work across cinema, television and advertising, highlighting her strengths of visual storytelling, choreographic brilliance and technical innovation. From her landmark short film, The Stranger Left No Card, to her contributions to musicals, comedy, fantasy films and television productions, she consistently pushed creative boundaries in a male-dominated industry.
Alongside close textual and contextual analysis of Toye’s films, the book examines her influence on Britain’s post-war cultural landscape and her enduring legacy as a multidimensional creative force, combining artistry with precision.
The book is now available for order through major retailers including Amazon, Waterstones, Blackwell’s and Bookshop.org, across the UK, US, Canada and Europe.
Ravensbourne is delighted to support academic staff who are making meaningful contributions to their fields, strengthening the university’s reputation for industry-relevant scholarship and ensuring students are taught by researchers and practitioners at the forefront of their disciplines.
