Home > Arts > Portraits > Black and white portraits > Fine art portraits
1841 British Museum Zoological Gallery c
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
1841 British Museum Zoological Gallery c
Fine steel engraving with later hand colouring by l. Lewitt and Radclyffe of the " British Museum - Zoological Gallery" in " London Interiors" published by Joseph Mead of London (1841). The engraving shows the upper second floor of the British Museums East Wing as fitted out after 1838. Above the cabinets of stuffed birds and shells was the Museums collection of portraits. The generally poor level of curation for the British Museums specimens around this time led naturalists such as Darwin to leave their collections elsewhere. Things improved in the early 1880s when, under the direction of Sir Richard Owen, the new Natural History Museum was built and the collection migrated to South Kensington
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6345017
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Beagle Birds Black And White British Museum Charles Darwin Collectors Museum Natural History Museum Shells Specimens Taxidermy Victorian Collections Conchology East Wing Mono Chrome Montagu House
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Portraits
> Black and white portraits
> Fine art portraits
> Arts
> Portraits
> Black and white portraits
> Arts
> Street art graffiti
> Portraits
> Fine art
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the year 1841, offering a glimpse into the British Museum's Zoological Gallery. The fine steel engraving, skillfully hand-colored by L. Lewitt and Radclyffe, showcases the upper second floor of the museum's East Wing as it appeared after its renovation in 1838. The image reveals rows of meticulously arranged cabinets filled with an assortment of taxidermy specimens, including birds and shells. Above these displays hang portraits that form part of the museum's collection. However, during this period, there was a general lack of curation for the British Museum's specimens, prompting renowned naturalists like Charles Darwin to seek alternative locations for their collections. Fortunately, improvements were on the horizon. In the early 1880s, under Sir Richard Owen's guidance, construction began on a new Natural History Museum at South Kensington. This marked a turning point for both curators and visitors alike as it provided a purpose-built space to house and showcase scientific treasures. As we observe this snapshot from history captured by Paul D. Stewart through his artful lens, we are reminded not only of how far museums have come but also of their vital role in preserving knowledge about our natural world. It is through such meticulous collections that we can continue to learn from past discoveries while inspiring future generations to explore and appreciate our planet's rich biodiversity.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
