It's been really great working with the Natural History Museum. Having access to their archives felt like we were uncovering long-lost treasures!
But one of the best things, was going round the Museum before it opened. We had a meeting with the team to talk about the prints and the collection, but before we sat down with our teas and coffees to chat, they kindly walked us round the empty galleries. And the building itself is a masterpiece too, always little details to discover in the stone carvings or ceiling illustrations.
Here are our top highlights of our visit to the Natural History Museum!
1. The Earth Hall
Immediately, the setting is otherworldly. You're completely immersed into what feels like the earth's core. You're surrounded by minerals and celestial rocks. And of course, most prominently, you're greeted by Sophie the dinosaur. The most intact Stegosaurus fossil skeleton ever found.
2. The Bird Gallery
Showing all shapes and sizes, specimens extinct or endangered, full of colour or striking black and white plumage. The variety was breathtaking.
And of course, we can't walk past a puffin without taking a picture...
3. The Fossil Marine Reptiles Gallery
Amazing fossils adorn all the wall here, giving us an idea of what was going on underwater while dinosaurs dominated the land.
So many specimens in the gallery were collected by Mary Anning and her brother in the 1800s along the English coastline. Of course, we love a story about women excelling in their field. She was a pioneer in her findings, some of which a considered to have contributed to Darwin's theory of evolution, and is regarded today as one of the greatest fossil hunters to have ever lived! You can read more about her on the Natural History Museum's website.
4. Hintze Hall
It is striking in its architecture and what it contains. The first thing you notice is the giant skeleton of a blue whale - the largest animal on Earth. But then when you look closely, you see incredibly detailed paintings on the ceiling, or curious engravings in the walls and columns. We could describe it to you at length and still not capture every detail.
All around the sides, in little individual alcoves, there are more specimens to explore.
From algae...
... to bees and butterflies.
The wonders of the natural world never cease.
5. The Marine Invertebrates Gallery
Located just after the Mammals hall, you'll find these little peaceful rooms full of fascinating little creatures from the sea. From the most delicate corals to the most ominous of crustaceans.
This hall fueled our inspiration for the capsule collection we designed in collaboration with the Museum.
Which are your favourite bits? Tell us in the comments so we can make sure to visit them next time!
