The Bird Collection
7 November - end February 2010

Huia

Worcester City Museum's bird collection comprises 1300 specimens of both full mounts and study skins. Its origins lie in the earliest years of the museum and includes both impressive British birds and examples from around the world which represent every continent on earth. 

Hobby

Wealthy enthusiasts from the County travelled the globe to collect specimens in the early nineteenth century. Mr Robert Gale from Malvern presented a collection of Australian birds that included five birds hitherto unknown to science. In 1835 Messrs W and H Holden augmented this Australian collection and it began to gain a reputation nationally.

The bird collection continued to develop under the care of curator and keen naturalist WH Edwards who was responsible for preparing the impressive wandering albatross which is still on display. In 1907 the largest single addition to the bird collection was bequeathed by the late R F Tomes.

During the middle years of the twentieth century the collection was gradually taken off display. Increasingly the collection was placed into store as fashions in museum display changed.

What survives today was rescued in the 1960's. Specimens have been restored and additions to the collection have been made. Today, the bird collection is seen as a valuable part of both the natural history and education collections.

For further information contact:

Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum
Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DT
Tel: 01905 25371  e-mail artgalleryandmuseum@worcester.gov.uk