161 years ago, on 26 August 1856, the world’s first synthetic dye was patented by William Henry Perkin, whose archive is now part of our collection.
Our collection documents 250 years of discoveries and innovations that began in Manchester and went on to influence the world. In this section of the blog, we want to shine a light upon the achievements and experiences of the people behind those stories.
August 2017 marks 225 years since the death of Richard Arkwright. Here, we look at both his entrepreneurship and the controversy that surrounded him.
Who was John Dalton, and what part does he play in the story behind our Wonder Materials exhibition?
Archivist Ceri Forster reveals the electrifying story of some of the newest items in our collection.
Here in the museum archive, we’re always happy to hear from people who have interesting documents to add to our collections.
The archive team at the museum are always happy to receive donations of documents that can provide a better understanding of Manchester’s role in the industrial and scientific growth of this country and the wider world.
10–19 March is British Science Week 2017, so we asked our curators, archivists and explainers for some of their favourite items in the collection—ones that are truly ideas that changed the world.
Step back to a time when electricity was an exciting new phenomenon and discover how these vintage bulbs played a part in a grand new scheme of electric lighting.
Is it the rain that binds Manchester, UK and San Francisco, USA? Or perhaps the fog? Or the amazing music scene?
Our colleagues at our sister museum in Bradford, the National Science and Media Museum, have unearthed a wonderful selection of images of life in early-to-mid 20th century Manchester.
Beyer, Peacock and Co. was well-known for manufacturing steam locomotives, but also considered making motor cars, as our archives reveal.
Down here in the conservation department, we have been working hard for the past few months on the Wellcome Collection’s new exhibition, Electricity: The Spark of Life, which will make its way to our new Special Exhibitions gallery.