Biology - museum collection

Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives cares for this major regional collection of about 650,000 specimens, originally formed in 1823, which includes a remarkable diversity of plants and animals ranging in size from ants to elephants. 

What is on display?

There are three galleries devoted to biology at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

• World wildlife
• British wildlife
• South West wildlife gallery (aquatic habitats)

What is in store?

The specimens on display are the 'tip of the iceberg', most of the collection is in store but is readily available to enquirers by appointment.
The collection can be broadly divided into:

• insects (entomology)
• other animals (zoology)
• plants and fungi (botany and mycology)
• photos, notebooks, books (associated collections)

For detailed information on each of these collections, see the related documets.

Where is it all from?

Specimens in the collection are from the Bristol region and from all over the world. Many of the specimens were gathered at the time before the destruction of habitats and over-collecting made some of them rare or extinct. The museum now has a strict acquisitions policy, which governs what we collect and how we collect it.

Why keep it now?

The collections are important as records from voyages of discovery and the work of biologists of the past and present. Work on the specimens by staff, scientists and the public contributes to the modern study of plants, animals and the environment.
The collections are used in displays and learning activities interpreting nature and for promoting habitat and species conservation.
They provide evidence for the biodiversity in the Bristol region and as reference specimens they help naturalists identify animals and plants when they undertake wildlife surveys.

How do we use the specimens?

Museum specimens are a natural history archive, they are useful in a variety of ways:

• enquiries
• scientific studies
• historical studies
• museum displays
• learning and handling
• artwork and publishing 

How do we care for the collections?

Most biological specimens need to be preserved before they become part of the permanent collection. Standard preservation methods include taxidermy, air-drying, pressing, pinning, carding and preserving in fluid.

After preparation specimens must be kept in the right environmental conditions otherwise the effects of light, relative humidify, temperature fluctuations and insect pests may cause deterioration and eventual loss of the specimen.

Preventative and remedial conservation is undertaken by our conservation staff.

How can I access the store or services?

Anyone can see the collections behind the scenes by making an appointment. The biology staff also run an enquiry service and are happy to answer biology related questions such as:

• Can I borrow a specimen?
• Can you identify this specimen?
• Can I donate a specimen or collection?
• Can you advise me about this species?
• Can you tell me about biology related museum information

Please contact:

Rhian Rowson
Natural Sciences Collection Officer
Tel: 0117 922 3596
Email: rhian.rowson@bristol.gov.uk
Fax: 0117 922 2047

How can I get involved?

The department runs regular activities and events, and offers placement and volunteer opportunities, please contact us for more information.