Lydia Becker and Winifred Crompton: A radical history of Manchester Museum

This talk explores the radical history of Manchester Museum through the lives and legacies of Lydia Becker and Winifred Crompton. Known for her pioneering role in the women’s suffrage movement, Becker was also an acclaimed botanist whose work opened doors for women in science. Inspired by Becker, Winifred Crompton became a key figure in Egyptology and one of the Museum’s earliest female curators.

Through archival material and rarely seen objects, the session highlights how the Museum has historically provided a platform for underrepresented voices. Presented as part of the Collection Bites series, this engaging talk offers insight into the museum’s progressive past and the remarkable women who shaped it.