Richard Owen: A Natural Legacy

Richard Owen (1804–1892) is regarded as one of the most prominent scientific figures of the Victorian era. Over a career spanning 60 years, Owen was devoted to research in zoology and palaeontology, publishing hundreds of studies that advanced both fields.

In this free display, we look at the life of the man whose vision led to the creation of the Natural History Museum. On display for the first time are a selection of Owen’s published works and original drawings offering a unique insight into his personal connections and scientific work.

As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2031, we’re launching an ambitious plan to transform our galleries for the future. This is an ideal moment to look back at our beginnings and reflect on Richard Owen’s legacy. We’ll explore how contemporary research and techniques continue to broaden our knowledge and understanding of the natural world.

 Highlights include:

• previously never displayed artworks by artists including Joseph Dinkel, George Sharf and Mariamne Holmes

• Owen’s personal copy of his 1832 publication Memoir of the Pearly Nautilus

• unique wooden engraved printing blocks commissioned by Owen

• historical photographs from our archives

• current research by Dr Sophia Nicolov on the cetacean collection we care for

• a lithographic print of Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins’s Extinct Animals