Manchester Museum appoints first female Director

Esme Ward is due to take up her position as director of the Manchester Museum on Monday 9 of April, succeeding Nick Merriman.

Manchester Museum is the largest university museum in the UK with 4.5 million artefacts and surpassed the half a million visitor mark for the first time in 2017.

Esme said: “I am thrilled to be appointed the new Director of Manchester Museum. The vision to use its collections to promote understanding between cultures and a sustainable world could not be more timely or relevant.”

Esme is currently the Head of Learning and Engagement at Manchester Museum and the Whitworth. She joined the Whitworth in 1998 as the Education Officer and then became Head of Learning and Engagement in 2010.

Esme also worked alongside Maria Balshaw during the major transformation of the Whitworth and saw it win Art Fund Museum of the Year 2015.

The new Director also has completed a Clore Cultural Leadership Fellowship which included a placement with the Heritage Lottery Fund.

As well as working in the museum, Esme is the strategic culture lead for Age Friendly Manchester at Manchester City Council and teaches at the University.

She says that her career has focused on social purpose and prioritising inclusive initiatives and available to more people; from young children to people living with dementia.

This will continue through her new role, as Esme said: “I am hugely excited to lead the Museum at this critical time, build upon its excellent work to date and realise its potential as the UK’s most inclusive, imaginative and caring museum.”

Some have argued that it seems fitting that a female has been promoted to this position considering 2018 is the 100 year anniversary of some women getting the right to vote in a UK general election for the first time.

Esme said: “Since the museum opened its doors in 1890, a host of talented, determined women have shaped and developed its work and collections (including Marie Stopes and Egyptologists Margaret Murray and Rosalie David).

“I am hugely proud to build upon their legacy. In 2018 of all years, and in Manchester of all places, it seems fitting that a female director has finally been appointed.

“The response to the announcement has been wonderful. In part, this acknowledges my commitment to inclusion and ambition that the museum reflects the communities it serves.

“But it is also a recognition of change (#glassceilingbroken) and a desire that more women play leading roles in shaping our culture and city.”

Professor James Thompson, the University of Manchester’s Vice President for Social Responsibility, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have appointed the first woman director of Manchester Museum.

“Esme will bring vision and innovation to the Museum, continuing its excellent work with academics, students and its commitment to engagement with diverse local, national and international communities.

“The Museum is thriving with record visitor numbers, Esme is an ideal appointment for this exciting phase in the Museum’s development.”