Bronwyn Hopwood's day job as an ancient historian can be rather serious; some might even describe it as dry and dusty. She's often found to be poring over historical documents and academic papers in her quest to understand the Roman Empire.
But her role took on a new dimension last year, when she became an Australian ambassador for the social media group LEGO Classicists. Bronwyn has also been honoured with her own personalised figurine and that miniature LEGO self sits proudly on her office shelf, sporting a neat haircut and wide smile.
"If I took her home, my kids would probably delight in feeding her to a LEGO Tyrannosaurus Rex," says Bronwyn, who, as a child, shared their passion for LEGO.
Coveted membership of the LEGO Classicists - there are currently just 80 people world-wide with LEGO personas - has vastly expanded Bronwyn's professional network and afforded her new perspectives. Blurring the boundaries between pop-art and history has also inspired creative thinking and made her working life a great deal more enjoyable.
"I'm collaborating with other experts in my field - librarians, museum specialists, classicists and ancient historians - all over the world, and that is enormously stimulating," she says. "It's a great forum for sharing ideas, but also capitalises on the popularity and the universality of LEGO to engage a whole new generation in history. On top of all that, it's a lot of fun.
"In the museum, LEGO has helped me to think more creatively about how to present exhibitions and ideas. We are even looking to recreate scenes from mythology and ancient Rome in LEGO, to bring to life sites that no longer exist or can't physically be touched. LEGO is not unlike computer games in that it allows us to seriously apply our knowledge and to role play. It speaks to all ages."
The LEGO Classicists are the brainchild of Australian historical archivist Liam D. Jenson, who personally customises the LEGO figures to represent (and acknowledge) prominent people working in ancient art and culture. The group has a strong social media following and contributes to serious online scientific discussions and public fundraising campaigns like Movember.
"I hope LEGO will help us to inspire the next generation to visit our museum, engage with the material and maybe even develop a passion for exploring the historical world themselves," Bronwyn says. "It enables us to show that there are people working in a serious way in our discipline but are also enjoying themselves at the same time."
One of the cool things about having a LEGO life-form, for Bronwyn, is her namesake's stylish hair. "My LEGO character has interchangeable hairstyles and always looks tidy," she says. "That's where I wish life was as simple as LEGO."
