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Esme Ward Profile
Esme Ward

@ward_esme

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Director @McrMuseum (she/her) Posts about museums and learning, ethics, care, hope. Own views.

Manchester, England
Joined February 2014
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 months
Early morning wander to this finely built picturesque slate bridge. Its a beauty innit?
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
Oh my goodness, people queuing to visit @McrMuseum Am now an emotional wreck
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 months
This is NOT an artwork. Magpies nest, made using bird spikes torn off the roof of the University Hospital in Antwerp by the magpies themselves. @museumnaturalis
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
Lemon drizzle cake, on a rock, with a view, in mid February… must be my birthday. Have a great day folks!
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 months
This is the best book on museums I’ve read in years. Wise, honest, courageous and a call to action. Cannot recommend highly enough
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
Manc folk, you know who or what will be unveiled very soon, don’t you? @McrMuseum
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
And again today.. Manchester, you’re amazing
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
Oh my goodness, people queuing to visit @McrMuseum Am now an emotional wreck
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
Today’s #museum30 theme is #first ... It only took 128 years but eventually they appointed a woman to become director of Manchester museum @McrMuseum ..
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
5 years
A year ago today I started my dream job as Director @McrMuseum Have met extraordinary people and worked harder, listened and laughed more than I ever thought I would. Loving. It. And this Thursday we open Jallianwala Bagh 1919, a sign of things to come ..
@McrMuseum
Manchester Museum
5 years
For the first time in Indo-UK history 2 Museums located in cities deeply affected by colonialism, Amritsar and Manchester, have come together to re-examine the brutal massacre that eventually brought about the end of the British empire! #JallianwalaBagh
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
8 months
Today was a good day. ⁩ Manchester Museum hands back 174 objects to Indigenous Australian islanders | Indigenous Australians | The Guardian ⁦ @AIATSIS ⁩ ⁦ @McrMuseum
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
6 years
Completely thrilled about this. Exciting times ahead
@McrMuseum
Manchester Museum
6 years
We are delighted @ward_esme has been announced as our new Director. Esme is the first woman to hold the role in the museum’s 125-year history and succeeds @mcrnick Read more here:
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
5 years ago I started my dream job @mcrmuseum . Since then there’s been a lot of change, learning, relationship-building, friendship and bloody hard work.. I love it, the place, the people, this city. Thanks to everyone who has made/continues to make it so damn special
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
What an amazing evening @McrMuseum One of may favourite pics and one for the archive - me and my two predecessors @nickmerriman01 and Tristram Besterman, both of whom have supported me from day one. On the shoulders of giants I reckon .. 🙏
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
3 years since I got my dream job @McrMuseum .. it’s been a rollercoaster so far but I love it. If in doubt, apply
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
Stonehenge @britishmuseum really is as good as you’ve heard. Extraordinary objects, compelling storytelling and imaginative design. A captivating reminder that there is still so much we don’t know about our world..
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
4 years
So the hole in the ground @McrMuseum is now ready for its two storey extension (new Exhibition Hall on ground floor and South Asia Gallery on first floor). Opening 2022. Gulp..
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
Evening light 🍁
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
Inspiring afternoon @britishmuseum yesterday until THIS 😳NFT pop up shop for “the new, exciting and fun way to own assets”. I really don’t think this is the future of museums (don’t even get me started on environmental impact) but want to understand why others might?
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
Turned 50 today. Best birthday ever. Now what?
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
4 years
Yesterday, after far too long, I wondered through an empty museum @McrMuseum Got a bit emotional.. just can’t wait for it to be full of people again
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
On the eve of reopening, we’ve been featured in ⁦⁦ @nytimes ⁩. Quite the week for ⁦ @McrMuseum ⁩ The Revamped Manchester Museum Reassesses Britain’s Colonial Past - The New York Times
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
We’re finally getting a proper front door @McrMuseum When we reopen in February, folk won’t be wandering up and down Oxford Road trying to work out how to get in and that makes me so happy
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
Excellent read, on the all-too-familiar veneer of inclusion and predatory participation in our museums. Enough already.. Museums as Predators – American Perceptionalism
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
I’m not usually that excited by maritime museums but bloody hell the Vasa Museum in Stockholm is awesome
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
Manchester museums to preserve messages left on Rashford mural - Museums Association
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
Freshly sanded and polished, parquet floor in soon-to-be @McrMuseum shop looking fine this morning 🤩
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
Doors locked, lights off, see u in 2022 @McrMuseum We’ll look after Stan 🦖 #MMhellofuture
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
I’ve spent the past week travelling by train from Amsterdam-Hamburg-Copenhagen-Stockholm and currently en route to Oslo. Not one delay. No overcrowding. Free consistent Wi-Fi. Entire journey has cost less than Manchester - London return @AvantiWestCoast @AndyBurnhamGM
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
So chuffed and a bit exhausted😉 to have welcomed so many people in our first three weeks! THANKYOU
@McrMuseum
Manchester Museum
1 year
Since we reopened our doors last month, a staggering 100,000 people have visited us! 🥳We're incredibly grateful for everyone's support. 👉Not had a chance to visit yet? Come and see what all the fuss is about! Plan your trip here:
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
Wishing all museums opening today the very best (you’ll smash it) and sending solidarity and strength to those unable to open their doors yet. Our time will come..
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
👀Some pics of our emerging new exhibition hall and South Asia gallery @McrMuseum opening 2022 #hellofuture
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
4 years
After a zoom-laden day, so thankful for this local wood..
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
How it started, how it’s going… @McrMuseum @OfficialUoM
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
4 years
One year on from my mountain bike accident .. with a metal-filled and not-as-strong-as-it-should-be leg, am SO very happy to be back on my bike. Remembering with serious gratitude the amazing Italian surgeons, nurses and NHS physios who got me back on my feet.. 🙏🏻
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
Positive news and important step forwards. Hopeful this is the start of a wider movement for change.. University of Aberdeen to return pillaged Benin bronze to Nigeria
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
5 months
Appalled and depressed by this decision. This is NOT the future of museums. British Museum’s BP sponsorship deal ‘astonishingly out of touch’
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
7 months
This museum was made for dancing… fantastic welcome event for Indian students in Manchester ⁦ @McrMuseum ⁩ ⁦ @OfficialUoM ⁩ ⁦ @ManMetUni ⁩ ⁦ @MCRIndia ⁩ ⁦ @UKinIndia ⁩ ⁦
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
4 years
So pleased and tbh relieved to receive this support
@McrMuseum
Manchester Museum
4 years
We are delighted to have received a grant from the #CulturalRecoveryFund . Many thanks to @DCMS @hmtreasury @ace_national – this will help us to keep doing what we do best. #HereForCulture
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
5 years
Only in Manchester could an elephant that refused to take the train end up in a train station! We @McrMuseum are on a mission to become the most imaginative, inclusive and caring museum you might encounter ..
@BBCNWT
BBC North West
5 years
The skeleton of Manchester's most famous elephant is going on display at Piccadilly station from today. Maharajah was part of a travelling circus in the 1800's and walked to Manchester from Scotland after trashing a train carriage.
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
4 years
What’s the best museum cafe out there... ideally run in-house, true to mission and values, great food and environment? Exploring what future @McrMuseum should look like...
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
10 days
Where does the time go? Six years ago I started as Director @McrMuseum Have never worked or laughed harder and have met the most talented incredible people in Manchester and beyond. Still lovin it 😊
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
A week I’ll never forget - full of joy, delight, community, hope and learning 🙏❤️
@McrMuseum
Manchester Museum
1 year
We've welcomed more than 50,000 people through our doors in our first week since reopening! Thank you to each and every one of you. Planning a visit? Here's everything you need to know:
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
4 years
I’m going to grow weeds more often..
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
6 years
Perfect days end. My taxi driver on why @McrMuseum matters “it’s free, I learn, my kids become better citizens, the whole world is there”
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
5 years
Finally made it into @McrMuseum yesterday after 10 weeks at home recovering from accident. Heck, I’ve missed this place ❤️
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
25 days
The wonderful Orla entered our lives a month ago… bringing more laughter, love and odd chewed socks than I could have ever imagined. Dogs are amazing, aren’t they?
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
5 years
We’re on a mission to become the most inclusive, imaginative and caring museum you might ever encounter @McrMuseum
@McrMuseum
Manchester Museum
5 years
TONIGHT we are hosting our first annual #Iftar in the spirit of the month of #Ramadan the month of hospitality & sharing Everyone welcome - all faiths and none ❤️ For more information
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
Good morning.. a day of writing ahead if I can stop myself looking out the window..
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
My husband is on a trip of a lifetime in the Arctic and every morning he sends me photos of the day before. This was yesterday 🤩
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
4 years
Having a twitter break for a week or so to focus on this...
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
At home with covid. Nausea and dizzy spells flooring me just when I think I’m bouncing back. Taking solace from spring and this view (trying not to think too much about the creeping deadlines or the world heading to hell in a handcart). Nature pics gratefully received 🙏
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
6 years
Beyond excited.. new temporary exhibition space, South Asia Gallery in partnership with @britishmuseum and a performance space at its heart, new entrance and more besides
@McrMuseum
Manchester Museum
6 years
Thanks to #NationalLottery players, we've received £4.2 million to bring new galleries & exhibition space to @mcrmuseum - working towards becoming the most inclusive, caring & imaginative museum in the UK See what the museum will look like We're excited!
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
4 years
It is beautiful to be back... @McrMuseum
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
So glad I put my walking boots on this afternoon, gorgeous walk
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
Wow, what a beautiful morning ..
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
4 years
Today was a good day
@guardian
The Guardian
4 years
Manchester museum returns stolen sacred artefacts to Australians
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
4 years
And that much-bigger-than-I-thought two storey extension (new exhibition hall and South Asia gallery) is coming on nicely @McrMuseum
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
Follow three security guards during their night shift at Manchester Museum… they wander through the galleries and reflect on how the museum’s collections connect with their life experiences, their migration to the UK, and their lives here now.
@comartsnw
Community Arts NW
3 years
Look what's coming up. HUNGER. Live-streamed from our partner @McrMuseum with @MCRCityofLit on Thursday 22 July 6pm - 7pm. Read all about it here and book your FREE tickets.
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
4 years
Nearly open and feeling nervous/excited...
@McrMuseum
Manchester Museum
4 years
We can’t wait to welcome you back on Wednesday! #Book your visit here:
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
We reopen @McrMuseum tomorrow morning at 10 so until then here’s a few pics of the AMAZING people I work with who’ve so lovingly transformed the museum
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
#museum30 Day 2 Who Am I? Director @McrMuseum , Chair @CHWAlliance , gardener, hillwalker, mother, feminist, dreamer, very average cook, optimist
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
Behind the scenes at the museum
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
4 years
AMAZING JOB ALERT 👇🏻 .. this NEW role and programme builds on @McrMuseum unconditional repatriation of secret, sacred and ceremonial material back to indigenous communities in Australia. Please share widely..
@McrMuseum
Manchester Museum
4 years
We're recruiting. Would you like to set indigenous perspectives at the heart of one of the world’s leading university museums? The exciting new post of Curator of Indigenous Perspectives @McrMuseum is supported by @EllermanUK . Find out more here:
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
New tiles looking 👌🏻 in the sunshine (in Manchester) @McrMuseum
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
My husband keeps sending me amazing photos from the Lakes, to distract me from conference season in Manchester... it’s working
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
Wow, new entrance really taking shape. Just over 6 months till this space will be full of visitors 🤞 @McrMuseum
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
5 months
Seriously chuffed. Fantastic celebration and recognition of so many peoples creativity and hard work, esp the awesome South Asia Collective @McrMuseum dream team @studioc102 @ManijehVerghese @britishmuseum team and last but not least @NusratAhmedMM 💥
@McrCulturePship
Manchester Cultural Partnership
5 months
The WINNER has been announced for BEST EXHIBITION! The Awards goes to Manchester Museum for its gallery dedicated to the experiences and contribution of Manchester's South Asian diaspora - the first of its kind in the UK @McrMuseum #McrCultureAwards
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
Anyone got a better museum shop collab than this? #museums
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
Days end from the wee bridge behind Wasdale Head Inn
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
If you can get out on the hills, you won’t regret it. The heather right now is stunning. Here are some pics from yesterday
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
Youngest son has been baking again 🤔
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
6 years
Farewell @WhitworthArt it’s been a blast. Today is my last day as I head to @McrMuseum . You will always be my favourite art gallery
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
@cox_tom Love these, here’s one of my faves, on my doorstep.. (check the sign on the door)
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
Shops and gyms, but not museums.. it’s illogical and frustrating tbh
@ManCityCouncil
Manchester City Council
3 years
Cultural leaders call for re-think to allow cultural venues in Manchester to safely re-open in Tier 3. Read more:
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
Am seeking examples from museum world of the most imaginative and impactful cross-sector partnerships atm? Thinking about education, health, charities, digital .. any ideas?
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
So here we go.. one year countdown to reopening a bigger, more inclusive, imaginative and caring @McrMuseum
@McrMuseum
Manchester Museum
2 years
📣 ANNOUNCEMENT 📣 We're in the final phase of a £15million transformation & we have announced today that we will reopen in February 2023. Keep an eye on Twitter for exciting sneak peeks and stories from behind-the-scenes of the build... #1YearToGo #MMHelloFuture
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
5 years
Doing the right thing...
@McrMuseum
Manchester Museum
5 years
In partnership with @AIATSIS we are pleased to announce the unconditional repatriation of 43 secret sacred & ceremonial objects to the Aranda, Gangalidda Garawa, Nyamal & Yawuru peoples to support cultural revitalisation amongst Indigenous communities.
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
5 years
We @McrMuseum are having a lot of fun making commuters stop in their tracks #Maharajah
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
Dreadful news from Stoke, such a myopic and depressing decision - the impact of this will reach far beyond the Potteries
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
Yesssss! My amazing colleague @educ_research won the Manchester Culture Award for promotion of social justice and equality. Get in… 👏👏👏 @OSCH_Mcr @McrMuseum #McrCultureAwards
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
5 years
This Christmas card was sent to the first Curator @McrMuseum in 1880s. ”A rink in the glacial period” with hippo, mammoth, woolly rhino and giant elk (all found in our collections) Available today in our shop
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
Museums are products of their age, reflecting the preoccupations, politics, obsessions and values of their time. They are not and never have been neutral. @ExploreWellcome is closing 15 year old exhibition (museums do this all the time). Look forward to what comes next…
@guardianculture
Guardian culture
1 year
Wellcome Collection in London shuts ‘racist, sexist and ableist’ medical history gallery
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
You never regret heading north, what a day, what a place
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
4 years
Has been a tough week - taking inspiration from my wildflower bed, still going strong..
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
SIX MONTHS!!
@McrMuseum
Manchester Museum
2 years
📢SIX MONTHS TO GO📢The museum is on schedule to reopen in February 2023. Take a look inside our extraordinary transformation 👀 We are extending the building, making room for more joy and learning and evolving into the museum Manchester needs.
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
And we’re back ❤️❤️❤️
@McrMuseum
Manchester Museum
1 year
We are OPEN! 🎉🎉🎉 And we are so happy to see you again ❤️ Our visitors really do make the museum 🥺
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 months
Mornings will never be the same again 😊
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
Great review of our first exhibition curated by @EgyptMcr in our new exhibition hall ⁦ @McrMuseum ⁩. ⁦⁩ Golden Mummies of Egypt review – ancient faces meet your eye across millennia | Art and design | The Guardian
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
4 years
I love that our very first visitors back were a family who have grown up with us. It’s pretty emotional ❤️❤️❤️
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
HUGE disappointment.. just being honest
@McrMuseum
Manchester Museum
3 years
It is with huge disappointment that following the latest Government announcement, @McrMuseum will not be able to reopen next week. This means that sadly, you'll have to wait a little longer to visit the museum.
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
Loved everything about my visit @mcrjewishmuseum The building is transformed, the collection sensitively and beautifully displayed, the stories and memories shared with imagination. One of Manchester’s most beautiful and unusual buildings, fit for the 21st century. Inspiring.
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
Happy Sunday...
@TheWomensOrg
The Women's Organisation
3 years
Vice President of the United States 🇺🇸 How it started How it’s going:
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
1 year
I’ve spent the past few days recovering from covid (for the fourth time) and reopening exhaustion. Tried to do too much. Lesson learned. Tips and wise words on finding the right balance after big capital projects gratefully received …
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
6 years
Well, that was fun. First whole staff day @McrMuseum Future looks bright...
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
One of the spaces that’s really coming together @McrMuseum is a new beautiful picnic area. To be planted up and decorated with as much love and care as our cafe and kitted out with microwaves, work surfaces and sink.
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
3 years
Spent yesterday interviewing for new Curator of Living Cultures @McrMuseum and I’m feeling very hopeful for the future of museums..
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@ward_esme
Esme Ward
2 years
Thanks so much ⁦ @markbrown14 ⁩ for the write-up of the soon to be reopened ⁦ @McrMuseum @OfficialUoM ⁩ focused on inclusion, imagination and care. It’s nearly time to share new stories and perspectives…reopening 18 February 2023!
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