STAFF PICKS
Amy McDowall, Primary Learning Coordinator

Amy McDowall is the Primary Learning Coordinator at Manchester Museum, working with primary schools and teachers who visit the Museum. 

Outside the Museum, she runs around after two small children and two medium-sized cats (small in comparison to Alex’s), and coordinate the Manchester branch of the ‘Parents for Future’ grassroots climate movement. 

Occasionally she finds time to enjoy not being very good at gardening, sewing and watercolour painting (because apparently, “I aspire to be an eligible young lady on the Georgian marriage market.”) 

What have you been reading?

Femina by Janina Ramirez – a brilliant exploration of European women in the Middle Ages. It started with an amazing case study of an Anglo Saxon burial from right near my home town in the North East that I’d somehow never heard of, so the proud Smoggy in me was a bit chuffed! I also recently read The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner – a children’s book from the 1950s – for some light relief and bit of local history closer to my adopted home in Manchester (and with connections to our Archaeology displays!). It has made me very certain that I will never, ever go caving (or cross a Wizard).

What have you watched lately?

I watched the absolutely, shockingly awful, but highly enjoyable, King and Conqueror on the BBC. And just started the new Alan Partridge series but I’m not sure I can cope with the awkwardness to see the whole series through!

Anything you’ve been listening to?

I’m working through the audiobook of Active Hope by Joanna Macy (a veteran climate activist who passed away recently) which is inspiring. I also regularly listen to the Elis and James and John Robins podcast from 5Live for background noise. Music-wise, we’ve had Taxes from Geese’s new album on repeat (it’s an absolute banger) at home. That makes me sound much cooler than I am; otherwise, my newest music is Chappel Roan and the Hamilton soundtrack.

What’s sparked inspiration? Or something you’ve strongly related to recently?

I’ve been massively inspired by the bravery of the Global Sumud Flotilla trying to get aid to Gaza, especially their humility after their release.

Have you seen an exhibition or visited a museum recently? 

My museum visits this year have mostly been to take photos of dinosaur – especially fossil dig – interactives, prepping for the launch of Triceratops Eat, Roam Repeat. Both the Yorkshire Museum and Leeds City Museum have fabulous dig opportunities.