British collections
Scanning electron microscope image of a fossil marine diatom showing the ornate silica shell
The Museum's diatom collections for the British Isles are of particular significance.
19th century collections
- William Smith’s major collections, used to illustrate his Synopsis of the British Diatomaceae (1853-1856)
- Frederic Kitton’s British collection, used to illustrates his Norfolk diatoms exsiccata set (1885)
20th century collections
The diatom herbarium also has many important 20th century items, often bequeathed to the Museum by amateurs, such as:
- the freshwater collection of John R. Carter
- the marine collection of Norman Hendey
Both are the most comprehensive British collections made during the 20th century.