Introducing the Irene Manton Archive: Lunchtime Drop-In

Explore material from the archive of Irene Manton, an influential botanist and the first woman professor at the University of Leeds.

Come along to this lunchtime drop-in and see material from the Irene Manton Archive. Explore specimen slides, books and sketches. View groundbreaking electron microscope images. Gain an insight into how scientific research was undertaken in the mid-20th Century.    

A pioneering woman, scientist and microscopist, Manton carried out research which is still influential today. She spent much of her career at Leeds where she worked as a Professor of Botany. The Biological Sciences building is named in her honour. She was the first woman professor at the University and left a lasting impact. Some of her most notable research involved discoveries related to ferns and algae. However, she is perhaps best known for her trailblazing use of the electron microscope.   

The Irene Manton Archive is held by Cultural Collections. A project is currently underway to catalogue the archive, making it accessible to researchers. Drop-in to chat to the project team, find out more about Manton and her legacy.

Access Information

Getting Here

• This event takes place in L C Miall Building, Level 7 Social Space. There is step-free access. See the L C Miall Building on the University of Leeds Campus Map. 

Sensory

• Level 7 Social Space has a kitchen and lots of tables and chairs. There may be cooking sounds and food smells. 

• It may be busy and noisy with people chatting and eating. 

• There is bright fluorescent lighting. 

In the Room

• There will be a big trolley with a glass case. Inside the case will be objects from the Irene Manton Archive to look at. 

• There will be leaflets you can take away. 

What to Expect

• The Project Archivist and Collections Assistant working on the project will be in the Level 7 Social Space for 2 hours from 12pm-2pm. They will be there to chat, show the material, and answer any questions. 

• You may come and go as you wish. 

If you have any other questions, please email us at gallery@leeds.ac.uk and we'll be happy to help.