Ever heard of a Bornean Bristlehead? Or a Rhinoceros Hornbill?
If not, you’ll soon be able to meet them face to face at Mansfield Museum’s new natural history gallery celebrating feathered friends from around the globe.
Its new permanent display, A World of Birds, re-interprets the museum’s rich and internationally significant bird collection which contains 3,000 bird specimens, including some species that are on the brink of extinction.
A World of Bird features 600 exhibits spanning 500 species from across the planet.
They include both the world’s largest bird – the ostrich – and its smallest – the hummingbird – along with rarities such as albino puffins and other unusually coloured variations of ravens and pigeons.
The new gallery opens to the public on Wednesday 24 April.
Henry McGhie, who has been working as a consultant on the project, said: “The museum’s collection punches well above its weight, for a small museum.
“The new gallery aims to provide opportunities for people to explore the rich variety of the world’s birds, and to provide practical opportunities for people to take part in conserving and restoring nature.
“And, yes, if you’re wondering, a Bornean Bristlehead really does have a bristly head!”
David Evans, Head of Head of Health and Communities, said: “This new gallery is really something for Mansfield to be proud of and will undoubtedly help put this area on the map.
“It brings to life items that have been kept hidden and in storage for decades and were at a real risk of deterioration.
“Instead this gallery brings a new modern and inclusive relevance to these beautiful and intriguing specimens of Victorian and Edwardian natural history taxidermy.
“We hope this new attraction will draw visitors from far and wide as well as serve as a rich educational resource to local families, by promoting a deeper understanding of the natural world.”
Among the main features of the new gallery are:
• Spectacular display cases of birds from many parts of the world, put together in the 19th and early 20th century.
• Historically important specimens, including the first-known occurrences of particular species in the UK, as well as locally rare birds.
• An art gallery and community gallery space which will feature changing exhibitions.
• A meeting space for small groups to explore natural history topics and supported by educational resources.
The gallery aims to signpost people towards practical activities and be a platform for local people and community groups working to conserve and restore nature.
The new gallery has been made possible thanks to funding of £76,700 from the Arts Council England [ACE] Unlocking Collections Fund. This funding is on top the theatre and museum’s £1.7m National Portfolio Organisation funding status from ACE.