The Waterton Collection

The Charles Waterton collection of preserved birds and animals, is now on show at Wakefield Museum in Yorkshire, England. It consists mainly of specimens brought back by Waterton from his journeys to South America and his shorter trips to Europe. In addition there are objects collected by him from the Amerindians of Guyana such as an elaborate Macusi feather headdress.

The collection tells us much about Charles Waterton. Most of the birds and animals were included as Waterton wished to show the wonders of the tropical forests that he had visited, and which in the early nineteenth century were known by only a few people living in Europe. He encouraged visitors to come to Walton Hall to see his museum which was combined with a gallery of oil paintings.

Would you like to see some other objects from his collection?

Back to Following Historic Trails Index

How do I participate in the student Sketchbook Project?

Back to Our Heritage Home Page