The
natural history collections held in museums
across the world are important because they
provide an invaluable scientific resource, a
record of social activites and a means of
getting close to objects that people would not
normally see.
The biological and
geological collections of The Potteries Museum
& Art Gallery are used by researchers around
the world in a variety of studies: genetic
research (as plant and animal specimens contain
DNA), the study of evolution (using fossil
collections), research into rocks and minerals
and as a means of establishing environmental
change. In the past bird egg collections have
been studied to determine the effects of
pesticides on wild birds (by measuring the
thickness of shells collected at different
times) and a toe from the Potteries Museum’s
water vole was used to establish relationships
between populations of this endangered animal.
The Potteries Museum receives enquiries from
scientists all over the world who are
undertaking research. Many people arrange to
visit special items in our collections and
occasionally specimens are loaned to other
organisations.
Natural history
collections also provide important information
about social history. During the late 19th
and early 20th centuries many people
were fascinated by the natural world and a
number of our collections were created during
the Victorian period by people from a range of
social backgrounds. Studying natural history was
a popular pastime for men and women and many
people were members of natural history societies
and photography clubs. Today very few
individuals make collections of live animals and
the majority of our animal specimens are
received as the result of accidents. Some people
continue to make geological and botanical
collections and on occasions, where they are
offered and are felt to be locally relevant and
useful, they are accepted into the museum
collections.
Our collections are
also a very important means of allowing people
to get closer to animals, plants and geological
specimens. Seeing a photograph of an animal is
not the same as seeing the real thing: our
specimens provide the experience of size, touch,
colour and wonder. Why not come and have a look
for yourself?
