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Science and Industry Museum blog

Think of a scientist. What do you picture?  The stereotypical answer (and the one we’re trying hard to change) would be a man, maybe in a lab coat. But even a century ago, that wasn’t necessarily the case.

To quote Bob Marley, the sun is shining and the weather is sweet. So what better way to enjoy this fine spell of weather we’re having than a quick look at our summery collection items? Deck chairs at the ready as we shine a light on our favourite sunshine objects.

The buildings of Liverpool Road station are one of the most incredible things about the site on which the Museum of Science and Industry sits—but a huge fire over 150 years ago almost destroyed these historic structures.

With thousands of runners set to pound the pavements this weekend in the Great Manchester Run and the Great CityGames taking place just outside our window, we’ve taken a look at some of the weird and wonderful items in our collection related to keeping yourself in the very best of health.

Today marks the 40th anniversary since aviator David Cook used his modified Volmer VJ 23E hang-glider, powered by a go-kart engine, to cross the English Channel in 1978. The hang-glider is now part of our collection here at the museum, and to mark the occasion, Assistant Curator Lewis Pollard spoke to David about his historic journey.