Walter Rothschild Collection

Nathan Natty, 1st Baron Rothschild
Liberal politician, banker, philanthropist and father of Walter Rothschild, he built what became the Walter Rothschild Zoological Museum

Giant tortoise being fed at Tring Park
In 1897 Walter Rothschild despatched explorer Charles Harris to the Galapagos islands to collect a large number of giant tortoises

Emma Rothschild (1844-1935)
Mother of Tring Museum founder Walter Rothschild

Southern cassowary by JG Keulemans
Hand-coloured lithograph of cassowary head by JG Keulemans (c. 1898), based on the live animals at Walter Rothschilds Museum at Tring

Walter Rothschild Bird skin collection, 1933
Packed for shipping. The majority of Rothschilds (280, 000 items) bird skin collection was sold the AMNH in New York after he ran into financial difficulties

Walter Rothschild & collecting party, Algeria
Rothschild (second from right) undertook three separate ornithological collecting expeditions to Algeria in 1908, 1909 and 1911, along with Ernst Hartert

Visit of 1930 Ornithological Congress to Tring
Within the Walter Rothschild Zoological Museum at Tring, bequeathed to the Natural History Museum after his death in 1937

Giant tortoises at Tring Park
In 1897 Walter Rothschild despatched explorer Charles Harris to the Galapagos islands to collect a large number of giant tortoises

C. Harris feeding Galapagos tortoises, 1898
Sailor and explorer Charles Harris was despatched to the Galapagos islands to collect giant tortoises for Walter Rothschild in 1897

Transporting Giant tortoises
In 1897 Walter Rothschild despatched explorer Charles Harris to the Galapagos islands to collect a large number of giant tortoises

Emu and rheas at Tring Park
Rheas from South America and Emus from Australia are examples of the flightless ratite birds kept by Walter Rothschild at Tring Park

Northern cassowary by JG Keulemans
Hand-coloured lithograph of cassowary head by JG Keulemans (c. 1898), based on the live animals at Walter Rothschilds Museum at Tring

Walter Rothschild Bird skin collection, 1932
Packed for shipping. The majority of Rothschilds (280, 000 items) bird skin collection was sold the AMNH in New York after he ran into financial difficulties

Alfred Newton (1829-1907), Professor of Comparative Anatomy at Cambridge University in the late 19th Century. Newton was an expert ornithologist and tutored Walter Rothschild in anatomy

Walter Rothschilds Necropsittacus borbonicus
Plate 8, a watercolour painting on paper by Henrik Gronvold from Walter Rothschilds Extinct Birds (1907). Art original 56 x 78 cm. Date: 1907

Broad-billed parrot
Plate 7 from Extinct and Vanishing Birds of the World, Lord Lionel Walter Rothschild (1907). Date: 1907

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"Walter Rothschild: A Legacy of Wildlife Conservation and Exploration" Nathan Natty, 1st Baron Rothschild, was a man of great vision and passion for the natural world. His love for animals led him to establish Tring Park as a sanctuary for various species, including the majestic giant tortoise. These gentle creatures found solace in their new home, where they were lovingly fed and cared for. Emma Rothschild (1844-1935), Walter's mother, played an instrumental role in supporting his endeavors. Her unwavering support allowed Walter to pursue his dreams of creating one of the most extensive bird skin collections known to mankind. This collection became a testament to his dedication and commitment towards preserving avian diversity. JG Keulemans' stunning artwork immortalized some of the rarest birds housed at Tring Park. The vibrant Southern cassowary and Northern cassowary captured on canvas showcased their beauty while raising awareness about their conservation needs. The visit of the 1930 Ornithological Congress brought together like-minded individuals who shared Walter's passion for ornithology. Their collective knowledge and expertise further enriched Tring Park's mission by fostering collaboration among scientists from around the globe. Transporting giant tortoises proved to be no easy feat but was essential in expanding Tring Park's conservation efforts. C. Harris took on this challenging task in 1898 with utmost care, ensuring these incredible creatures could thrive under Walter's watchful eye. Emu and rheas also found refuge within Tring Park's boundaries, adding another layer of biodiversity to this remarkable sanctuary. Their presence served as a reminder that every species has its place in our interconnected ecosystem. Walter continued building upon his bird skin collection throughout the years, amassing an impressive array that provided invaluable insights into avian biology and evolution by 1932. Walter Rothschild left behind a lasting legacy through his tireless dedication to wildlife conservation and exploration.