Our second meet the team blog gives you the chance to meet our Museum Manager.

Name
Tony O’Connor

Job title
Museums Services Manager

Describe a typical working day at Epping Forest District and Lowewood Museums.
The great thing about the job is that there isn’t a typical day! I could be undertaking a forward planning exercise, writing a funding bid, reviewing service performance and or examining ways of working with a range of other groups and organisations to support the work of the museum and engagement with heritage. After that I might be working on a lecture or presentation to a group. I could be reviewing items offered to the collection to take a view on whether we should accept /purchase or decline them. Then in the evening I might be attending a related project meeting, giving a talk to a group or holding a painting level, while it is positioned on a wall for display.

What is your favourite thing about working at the Museum?
The privilege of working with the collections, of having the opportunity to work with our wonderful heritage and helping to create opportunities for others to engage with it too.

Share one piece of advice for those interested in working in the Museum field.
It’s not 9-5, it really is a vocation and you will never be rich, in monetary terms!

Which historical figure would you like to meet and why. What would you ask them?
Alexander the Great. Was he the visionary ruler sometimes depicted, a man with serious physiological problems or a bit of both!
‘ You burnt down the fabulous palace of Persepolis last night when you were drunk. Any regrets this morning?’

Where would you choose to go/visit if you could go anywhere in the world for a day?
Byblos in Lebabnon

What was the first music track or album you bought?
Transformer: Lou Reed