Pioneers: Alexander Parkes and the birth of plastics

Discover the story of Alexander Parkes, Birmingham-born inventor of Parkesine, the world’s first synthetic plastic. 

In this talk, Dr. Susan Mossman, Honorary Research Associate at the Science Museum, London (where she was formerly a curator and latterly exhibition project director), Chair of the Plastics Historical Society, and University of Birmingham alumna, explores Parkes’ inventive career, from silver-plated spider webs to the creation of materials that paved the way for modern plastics.

 In 2025 the University is celebrating 125 years. This milestone marks a legacy of driving change and shaping society. The public programme at the Exchange explores boundary pushing research of the past, present and future. Come along and discover how University research impacts you, and help us shape the future together.