DAME Margaret Weston, who played a key part in creating the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, now Media Museum, has passed away at the age of 94.

On June 16, 1983, Lord Snowden and National Science Museum director Dame Margaret formally opened the Bradford museum.

Dame Margaret became the first female director of a National Museum, and oversaw a significant expansion of the Science Museum during her tenure from 1973-1986.

Jo Quinton-Tulloch, director of the National Science and Media Museum, said: “We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Margaret Weston.

"Dame Margaret was instrumental in establishing our museum in Bradford, launching as the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in 1983.

"As the first female Director of the Science Museum and the first woman to ever lead a national museum, she set a remarkable precedent for women in the heritage sector; myself included.

"Her ambition to expand the Science Museum and its mission outside of London and into the north, also establishing the National Railway Museum in York in 1975.

"She has given so many people in the region amazing experiences, memories, and opportunities for more than 40 years.

"She was a true pioneer with a commitment to education and a champion for the important role museums can play in all of our lives, her legacy and values live on in our work at the museum today and will continue to do so in the future.”

Margaret Weston was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) on 16 June 1979.

Born in Oakridge, Cambridge, she achieved the status of Chartered Electrical Engineer in 1955 before joining the Science Museum in London.

In 1967, she was appointed as the first women to be Keeper of the Department of Museum Services.

After becoming director at the end of her career, succeeding Sir David Follett, she oversaw a significant expansion of what is now known as the Science Museum Group.

Her first duties in the role were over in York, announcing the city as the home of the National Railway Museum, which opened two years later.

Dame Margaret oversaw the acquisition of Concorde 002 for the Science Museum, and was the Patron of the Heritage Railway Association and the Stroudwater Textile Trust.

She was a Fellow of the Museums Association, and was made a Fellow of the Science Museum in 2018 which was presented to her by Dame Mary Archer.