Article on history zoos and animal collections - can you help?

C

Charlotte M

New Member
Hello there

I've been asked by UK magazine The Field to write a piece about some of the most unusual animals that have been kept by private individuals. As part of this, I thought it would be interesting to give a little information about the history of private animal collections and zoos in Britain. This is something I know nothing about so I would be very grateful if anybody could help me out here or might be willing to give me some quotes.

Also, if anybody knows of any good case studies of historic famous animals collectors, please let me know. My email address is charlotte@mackaness.net

Many thanks

Charlotte
 
There was an exhibition at Liverpool Museum in 2002 about the collection of the 13th Earl of Derby at Knowsley in the 1840s. It was accompanied by a book 'A Passion for Natural History' published by NMGM (National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside) ISBN 1 902700 14 7. The Earl collected museum specimens as well as live animals and he employed Edward Lear to paint them and to teach his children.
Another noted animal collection, which still exists is, is at Woburn Abbey. The 11th Duke of Bedford collected all the surviving Pere David's deer in the world to establish the herd which is still thrives there. His son, as Marquis of Tavistock and then as the 12th Duke, was an authority on parrots and kept many species in his collection.
Hope this helps

Alan
 
Many thanks

Thank you ever so much for that information - it is very handy. I will be sure to follow it up.

Very best wishes Charlotte
 
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