Nature's Treasurehouse A History of the Natural History Museum

About this book

The Natural History Museum in London has long been a favourite destination for millions every year, from curious children to scientific researchers. Nature's Treasurehouse takes you on a whirlwind journey through the history of the Natural History Museum: the people, the influences, the discoveries and much more. It chronicles the important milestones in the development of the Museum, and brings to life the times in which they occurred, and the excitement and sometimes controversy that surrounded many of these events.

Drawing on the authors' deep interest in and knowledge of the Museum, Nature's Treasurehouse explores the Museum's origins, founded on the discoveries and collections of influential men like Sir Hans Sloane, as well as its vast collection of specimens and items, and its evolving role within the world of science.

Nature's Treasurehouse describes the groundbreaking research undertaken by the Museum's dedicated staff and the array of educational, electronic and exhibition resources that have been developed and showcased over the years. All those who have visited this iconic and much-loved place will enjoy this warm, honest and sometimes whimsical account of the Museum's history and development.

Contents

Foreword
Preface

- Origins of the Museum: Sir Hans Sloane and his collection
- The Museum established: Montagu House
- A new building: The Bloomsbury development
- To South Kensington: The great divide
- The collections: Building the treasurehouse
- Exhibitions and education: Reaching the audience
- Research: Unravelling mysteries
- The digital age: Into the future

Customer Reviews

Biography

John Thackray worked at the Natural History Museum from 1969 until his death in 1999, the last 10 years as the Museum Archivist. He was secretary for the Society of the History of Natural History over a period of 17 years.

Bob Press worked as a curator and researcher at the Natural History Museum from 1973 becoming Associate Keeper of Botany before his retirement in 2011. He has a special interest in plant collectors and the history of collecting.