The Natural History Museum: Nature鈥檚 Treasurehouse by John Thackray
and Bob Press, Natural History Museum, 拢11, ISBN 0565091646
ONLY in 1988 did Britain鈥檚 Natural History Museum finally slide out from its
shackles and become independent, completing a turbulent progress from its
beginnings as the Hans Sloane Collection through takeover by the British Museum.
This saw arguments about policy, upkeep of the specimens, how to exhibit them,
space to store them, staff accommodation and their salaries鈥攖he latter
both so miserable that there were suicides among the staff.
The move to a splendid new building in South Kensington in 1881 was decisive
in its struggle for autonomy. The museum really is a unique treasure house that
we are lucky to have. Plans for the future ought to make it even more attractive
to the public and to scientists鈥攁nd force any funders you know to read it.
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