Lydia Becker and Winifred Crompton: A radical history of Manchester Museum
Part of the Collection Bites series
Illuminated with archives and objects, this talk will take you on a journey into Manchester Museum’s history. It will highlight the role of the museum in giving a voice to marginalised people.
Lydia Becker is well known as a pioneer of the women’s suffrage movement in Manchester, famously inspiring a young Emmeline Pankhurst, but she was also an award-winning botanist forging a path for women in science. Influenced by Becker’s work, Winifred Crompton became a leading figure in Egyptology and assistant keeper at Manchester Museum. She paved the way for people of all backgrounds to work in museums.
As well as hearing the stories of two amazing women from the Museum’s past, you will have the opportunity to take a close look at some of Lydia Becker’s award-winning botany specimens and objects from the Egypt and Sudan collection that are not currently on display.
Collection Bites is an adult programme, however the content is suitable for all ages. The talks are approx. 30 minutes. They take place on the first Wednesday of each month in Manchester Museum’s Research Studio on the Second Floor (accessible by stairs or lift).
Please note: Tickets are very limited. If you are no longer able to attend, please cancel your booking through Eventbrite, or email museum@manchester.ac.uk to let us know, so we can offer your place to someone else.