An Oral History of the Science Museum Group, 1973-2000

Between 1973 and 2000 the Science Museum went through a period of significant change. This oral history project captures first hand many colourful stories of what it was like to work at the Museum under two very different Directors - Dame Margaret Weston (1973-1986) and Sir Neil Cossons (1986-2000).

During the summer of 2012 a series of oral history interviews were carried out with Science Museum Group staff who worked at the Museum during the tenures of both directors. Their stories help bring to life what it was like to work at the Museum during one of our biggest periods of change.

Read a transcript of this video (PDF, 29K)

More videos

	Doing things differently Dr Brian Bracegirdle, former Assistant Director of Collections, describes his time at the Science Museum under the Directorship of Sir Neil Cossons. Watch video
	Energy and enthusiasm John Durant, formerly Assistant Director at the Science Museum, describes working life under Sir Neil Cossons and the emergence of the contemporary science programme. Watch video
	Creating a new museum Colin Ford, first Director of the National Media Museum (formerly National Museum of Photography, Film and Television), describes opening a new national museum in Bradford. Watch video
	Team spirit Greg Hobson, Curatorial Assistant in 1983, talks about getting the new National Media Museum ready for opening and the cutting edge nature of the exibits. Watch video
	Memorable experiences Heather Mayfield, Deputy Director of the Science Museum, talks about working on the Wellcome Historical Medical collections. Watch video
	My splendid staff Dame Margaret Weston, Director of the Science Museum, talks about setting up the National Railway Museum & the National Media Museum, and her amazingly productive workforce. Watch video
	New galleries David Wright, former Science Museum and National Railway Museum Curator, talks about joining the Science Museum and his early involvement with the Wellcome Historical Medical collections. Watch video