NHM Library and Archives
@nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social
One of the finest collections of natural history literature, art and online resources.
Come and research with us Tuesday - Thursday 10.00 - 16.00 (by appointment).
linktr.ee/nhmlibraryarchives
(Natural History Museum, London and Tring)
Come and research with us Tuesday - Thursday 10.00 - 16.00 (by appointment).
linktr.ee/nhmlibraryarchives
(Natural History Museum, London and Tring)
Pinned
Become a member of our Library and Archives and use our Reading Room.
Gain access to:
✔️A wide range of online resources.
✔️A world leading collection of printed books, journals, unique manuscripts, artwork and archives.
✔️ L&A membership is free.
Learn more buff.ly/412DnR7.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum
Gain access to:
✔️A wide range of online resources.
✔️A world leading collection of printed books, journals, unique manuscripts, artwork and archives.
✔️ L&A membership is free.
Learn more buff.ly/412DnR7.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum
Here is an extra reason to visit the Treasures Gallery (free entry).
We've just changed the hand-coloured engraved plate from our copy of John James Audubon's 'The Birds of America' (1827-1838).
Plate 197: Loxia curvirostra / Red Crossbill.
On display until February 2026.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum
We've just changed the hand-coloured engraved plate from our copy of John James Audubon's 'The Birds of America' (1827-1838).
Plate 197: Loxia curvirostra / Red Crossbill.
On display until February 2026.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum
November 14, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Here is an extra reason to visit the Treasures Gallery (free entry).
We've just changed the hand-coloured engraved plate from our copy of John James Audubon's 'The Birds of America' (1827-1838).
Plate 197: Loxia curvirostra / Red Crossbill.
On display until February 2026.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum
We've just changed the hand-coloured engraved plate from our copy of John James Audubon's 'The Birds of America' (1827-1838).
Plate 197: Loxia curvirostra / Red Crossbill.
On display until February 2026.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum
The Library and Archives are closed to external visitors and enquiries 10 - 14 November.
Our team are auditing the collections and having a whale of a time…🐋
#Audit #MuseumLibrary #MuseumArchives #ModernCollections #SpecialCollections #Teamwork
Our team are auditing the collections and having a whale of a time…🐋
#Audit #MuseumLibrary #MuseumArchives #ModernCollections #SpecialCollections #Teamwork
November 11, 2025 at 6:54 AM
The Library and Archives are closed to external visitors and enquiries 10 - 14 November.
Our team are auditing the collections and having a whale of a time…🐋
#Audit #MuseumLibrary #MuseumArchives #ModernCollections #SpecialCollections #Teamwork
Our team are auditing the collections and having a whale of a time…🐋
#Audit #MuseumLibrary #MuseumArchives #ModernCollections #SpecialCollections #Teamwork
We are at #HistDay25 @instituteofhistoricalresearch.
Come and chat with our team - Kathryn, Heather and Eloise. We would love to support your research and hear about all the subjects you are interested in!
Come and chat with our team - Kathryn, Heather and Eloise. We would love to support your research and hear about all the subjects you are interested in!
November 4, 2025 at 12:19 PM
We are at #HistDay25 @instituteofhistoricalresearch.
Come and chat with our team - Kathryn, Heather and Eloise. We would love to support your research and hear about all the subjects you are interested in!
Come and chat with our team - Kathryn, Heather and Eloise. We would love to support your research and hear about all the subjects you are interested in!
The books on our shelves tell the history of publishing as well as the history of natural history. We love these three Pelican books, held in our Zoology Library, Penguin books’ second imprint after their main series first launched in 1937.
Animal camouflage (1946)
Animal camouflage (1946)
October 27, 2025 at 11:30 AM
The books on our shelves tell the history of publishing as well as the history of natural history. We love these three Pelican books, held in our Zoology Library, Penguin books’ second imprint after their main series first launched in 1937.
Animal camouflage (1946)
Animal camouflage (1946)
What's new pussycat? Recent additions to our library book and journal collections.
⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections #BookSky
⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections #BookSky
October 23, 2025 at 11:31 AM
What's new pussycat? Recent additions to our library book and journal collections.
⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections #BookSky
⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections #BookSky
Some lovely twirls and swirls from the 1781 edition of Pierre-Joseph's 'Histoire des insectes nuisibles à l'homme, aux bestiaux, à l'agriculture et au jardinage' (Paris, 1781). #MarbledMonday #MarbledPaper #SpecialCollections #BlueSkyBooks #Endpapers
October 20, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Some lovely twirls and swirls from the 1781 edition of Pierre-Joseph's 'Histoire des insectes nuisibles à l'homme, aux bestiaux, à l'agriculture et au jardinage' (Paris, 1781). #MarbledMonday #MarbledPaper #SpecialCollections #BlueSkyBooks #Endpapers
A peek on the returns shelf to see some of the items Museum staff have been returning recently... 🔎📚
#NaturalHistoryMuseum #Shelfie #ModernCollections #BookSky #Palaeontology #Invertebrates #NorthAtlantic #Flora #India #Fossils #Fishes
#NaturalHistoryMuseum #Shelfie #ModernCollections #BookSky #Palaeontology #Invertebrates #NorthAtlantic #Flora #India #Fossils #Fishes
October 10, 2025 at 10:03 AM
A peek on the returns shelf to see some of the items Museum staff have been returning recently... 🔎📚
#NaturalHistoryMuseum #Shelfie #ModernCollections #BookSky #Palaeontology #Invertebrates #NorthAtlantic #Flora #India #Fossils #Fishes
#NaturalHistoryMuseum #Shelfie #ModernCollections #BookSky #Palaeontology #Invertebrates #NorthAtlantic #Flora #India #Fossils #Fishes
This book from our Ornithology Library collection seems very fitting as birds migrate from the UK to warmer climes.
The travels of Birds (1916) by Frank M. Chapman.
⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections #Shelfie
The travels of Birds (1916) by Frank M. Chapman.
⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections #Shelfie
October 6, 2025 at 8:33 AM
This book from our Ornithology Library collection seems very fitting as birds migrate from the UK to warmer climes.
The travels of Birds (1916) by Frank M. Chapman.
⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections #Shelfie
The travels of Birds (1916) by Frank M. Chapman.
⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections #Shelfie
Go behind the scenes of Walter Rothschild’s research library and personal book collection.
Librarian Cat O’Carroll will showcase natural history treasures from the 16th-20th centuries, including rare books, early photography and original artworks.
#NHMTring #SciArt #NatureInArt #ZoologicalArt
Librarian Cat O’Carroll will showcase natural history treasures from the 16th-20th centuries, including rare books, early photography and original artworks.
#NHMTring #SciArt #NatureInArt #ZoologicalArt
October 3, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Go behind the scenes of Walter Rothschild’s research library and personal book collection.
Librarian Cat O’Carroll will showcase natural history treasures from the 16th-20th centuries, including rare books, early photography and original artworks.
#NHMTring #SciArt #NatureInArt #ZoologicalArt
Librarian Cat O’Carroll will showcase natural history treasures from the 16th-20th centuries, including rare books, early photography and original artworks.
#NHMTring #SciArt #NatureInArt #ZoologicalArt
#OTD in 1975 our departmental libraries were formally centralised with the creation of a Department of Library Services.
Today our team continue to support the work of all our Museum staff and in the provision of a service to external visitors wanting to engage with our collections.
Today our team continue to support the work of all our Museum staff and in the provision of a service to external visitors wanting to engage with our collections.
October 1, 2025 at 12:58 PM
#OTD in 1975 our departmental libraries were formally centralised with the creation of a Department of Library Services.
Today our team continue to support the work of all our Museum staff and in the provision of a service to external visitors wanting to engage with our collections.
Today our team continue to support the work of all our Museum staff and in the provision of a service to external visitors wanting to engage with our collections.
Because even stationery has the right to be lovely, here are two well-loved little notebooks from entomologist and silversmith Dru Drury (1725-1804). #NaturalHistoryMuseum #MarbledMonday #BlankBooks #Bookbinding #MarbledPaper #SpecialCollections #BlueSkyBooks
September 29, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Because even stationery has the right to be lovely, here are two well-loved little notebooks from entomologist and silversmith Dru Drury (1725-1804). #NaturalHistoryMuseum #MarbledMonday #BlankBooks #Bookbinding #MarbledPaper #SpecialCollections #BlueSkyBooks
Why didn't *we* think of taking our "luncheon hour" at the end of the day, like Attendant Parker? #OpportunitiesMissed #ThrowbackThursday #NaturalHistoryMuseum
September 25, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Why didn't *we* think of taking our "luncheon hour" at the end of the day, like Attendant Parker? #OpportunitiesMissed #ThrowbackThursday #NaturalHistoryMuseum
From 1881 until 1971, firemen warders patrolled NHM buildings and grounds day and night. The Chief Officer of the London Fire Brigade made regular inspections of the equipment, which were recorded in a logbook. #MuseumArchives #ArchivesOfInstagram #NaturalHistoryMuseum #ThrowbackThursday
September 18, 2025 at 8:29 AM
From 1881 until 1971, firemen warders patrolled NHM buildings and grounds day and night. The Chief Officer of the London Fire Brigade made regular inspections of the equipment, which were recorded in a logbook. #MuseumArchives #ArchivesOfInstagram #NaturalHistoryMuseum #ThrowbackThursday
Library & Archives Open Day (free)
19 September 2025
When: 10.00 - 16.00
Where: Lasting Impressions Gallery (red zone)
Our team have developed four themed displays:
🐋 Whales, science and conservation
🌱 Ordering and naming nature
✏️ Writing from the field
❄️ Polar expeditions
#NaturalHistoryMuseum
19 September 2025
When: 10.00 - 16.00
Where: Lasting Impressions Gallery (red zone)
Our team have developed four themed displays:
🐋 Whales, science and conservation
🌱 Ordering and naming nature
✏️ Writing from the field
❄️ Polar expeditions
#NaturalHistoryMuseum
September 17, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Library & Archives Open Day (free)
19 September 2025
When: 10.00 - 16.00
Where: Lasting Impressions Gallery (red zone)
Our team have developed four themed displays:
🐋 Whales, science and conservation
🌱 Ordering and naming nature
✏️ Writing from the field
❄️ Polar expeditions
#NaturalHistoryMuseum
19 September 2025
When: 10.00 - 16.00
Where: Lasting Impressions Gallery (red zone)
Our team have developed four themed displays:
🐋 Whales, science and conservation
🌱 Ordering and naming nature
✏️ Writing from the field
❄️ Polar expeditions
#NaturalHistoryMuseum
Dunk, turn, dunk, turn, dunk…If you're doing one textblock, why not do eight? G.A. Olivier's Entomologie (Paris 1789-1808). #MarbledMonday #MarbledPaper #SpecialCollections #BlueSkyBooks
September 15, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Dunk, turn, dunk, turn, dunk…If you're doing one textblock, why not do eight? G.A. Olivier's Entomologie (Paris 1789-1808). #MarbledMonday #MarbledPaper #SpecialCollections #BlueSkyBooks
Library & Archives Open Day (free)
19 September 2025
When: 10.00 - 16.00
Where: Lasting Impressions Gallery (red zone)
Our team have developed four themed displays:
🐋 Whales, science and conservation
🌱 Ordering and naming nature
✏️ Writing from the field
❄️ Polar expeditions
#NaturalHistoryMuseum
19 September 2025
When: 10.00 - 16.00
Where: Lasting Impressions Gallery (red zone)
Our team have developed four themed displays:
🐋 Whales, science and conservation
🌱 Ordering and naming nature
✏️ Writing from the field
❄️ Polar expeditions
#NaturalHistoryMuseum
September 12, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Library & Archives Open Day (free)
19 September 2025
When: 10.00 - 16.00
Where: Lasting Impressions Gallery (red zone)
Our team have developed four themed displays:
🐋 Whales, science and conservation
🌱 Ordering and naming nature
✏️ Writing from the field
❄️ Polar expeditions
#NaturalHistoryMuseum
19 September 2025
When: 10.00 - 16.00
Where: Lasting Impressions Gallery (red zone)
Our team have developed four themed displays:
🐋 Whales, science and conservation
🌱 Ordering and naming nature
✏️ Writing from the field
❄️ Polar expeditions
#NaturalHistoryMuseum
For #ThrowbackThursday, we thought we'd share this, uh, intriguing picture of ornithologist and former Director of Tring Museum, Ernst Hartert (1859-1933). #Birds #Ornithology #MuseumArchives @nhm_tring
September 11, 2025 at 9:38 AM
For #ThrowbackThursday, we thought we'd share this, uh, intriguing picture of ornithologist and former Director of Tring Museum, Ernst Hartert (1859-1933). #Birds #Ornithology #MuseumArchives @nhm_tring
Reposted by NHM Library and Archives
Delighted to have come across this lovely book for a patron visit - Isabella Sinclair’s Indigenous Flowers of the #Hawaiian Islands (1855). The first book published with colour images of Hawaiian flowering plants. A great blog here blog.biodiversitylibrary.org/2019/03/isab... #rarebooks #flowers
September 10, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Delighted to have come across this lovely book for a patron visit - Isabella Sinclair’s Indigenous Flowers of the #Hawaiian Islands (1855). The first book published with colour images of Hawaiian flowering plants. A great blog here blog.biodiversitylibrary.org/2019/03/isab... #rarebooks #flowers
Reposted by NHM Library and Archives
For anyone needing a little lift today, here’s a link to the botanical drawing #master that is Georg Ehret (1708-1770) and some of his watercolours held by nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social all freely available to view and make you #smile nhm.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fu... #botanicalart
September 11, 2025 at 8:17 AM
For anyone needing a little lift today, here’s a link to the botanical drawing #master that is Georg Ehret (1708-1770) and some of his watercolours held by nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social all freely available to view and make you #smile nhm.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fu... #botanicalart
With children across the country heading #BacktoSchool, school visits to the Museum will soon be back in full swing.
These visits were kickstarted by Jacqueline Palmer’s Children’s Centre in the 1950s which hosted school groups and the Museum’s own club for young naturalists.
These visits were kickstarted by Jacqueline Palmer’s Children’s Centre in the 1950s which hosted school groups and the Museum’s own club for young naturalists.
September 4, 2025 at 9:38 AM
With children across the country heading #BacktoSchool, school visits to the Museum will soon be back in full swing.
These visits were kickstarted by Jacqueline Palmer’s Children’s Centre in the 1950s which hosted school groups and the Museum’s own club for young naturalists.
These visits were kickstarted by Jacqueline Palmer’s Children’s Centre in the 1950s which hosted school groups and the Museum’s own club for young naturalists.
Mycologist Arthur Peck (1870-1940) was such a fun guy (sorry, not sorry) we've added his 150+ images of British fungi to our Digitised Special Collections buff.ly/DwrpsMW. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #SpecialCollections #NatureInArt #Photography #SciArt #Mushrooms
Alt text: Reel of sepia photos of fungi
Alt text: Reel of sepia photos of fungi
August 29, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Mycologist Arthur Peck (1870-1940) was such a fun guy (sorry, not sorry) we've added his 150+ images of British fungi to our Digitised Special Collections buff.ly/DwrpsMW. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #SpecialCollections #NatureInArt #Photography #SciArt #Mushrooms
Alt text: Reel of sepia photos of fungi
Alt text: Reel of sepia photos of fungi
We've digitised 155 African sketches of Thomas Baines (1820-1875). ⬆️ Use the link in our bio to explore this collection and many others. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #LibrariesOfInstagram #DigitisedCollections #SpecialCollections #Art #NatureInArt #Africa
Alt text: Watercolours of Southeast Africa.
Alt text: Watercolours of Southeast Africa.
August 25, 2025 at 9:01 AM
We've digitised 155 African sketches of Thomas Baines (1820-1875). ⬆️ Use the link in our bio to explore this collection and many others. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #LibrariesOfInstagram #DigitisedCollections #SpecialCollections #Art #NatureInArt #Africa
Alt text: Watercolours of Southeast Africa.
Alt text: Watercolours of Southeast Africa.
Our collections are full of surprises. This manuscript is a medical herbal. But there a monster be… #FolkloreThursday #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Manuscripts #SeaMonsters #SpecialCollections #ZoologicalArt #Monsters #BlueSkyBooks
Alt text: Reel of an early herbal with a drawing of a sea monster.
Alt text: Reel of an early herbal with a drawing of a sea monster.
August 21, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Our collections are full of surprises. This manuscript is a medical herbal. But there a monster be… #FolkloreThursday #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Manuscripts #SeaMonsters #SpecialCollections #ZoologicalArt #Monsters #BlueSkyBooks
Alt text: Reel of an early herbal with a drawing of a sea monster.
Alt text: Reel of an early herbal with a drawing of a sea monster.
Our new temporary display shows off some of our wonderful stamp collection in our Reading Room display case.
Our small but varied collection of postage stamps contains several thousand from around the world. Many have been acquired through donation; all are subject-relevant and in mint condition.
Our small but varied collection of postage stamps contains several thousand from around the world. Many have been acquired through donation; all are subject-relevant and in mint condition.
August 19, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Our new temporary display shows off some of our wonderful stamp collection in our Reading Room display case.
Our small but varied collection of postage stamps contains several thousand from around the world. Many have been acquired through donation; all are subject-relevant and in mint condition.
Our small but varied collection of postage stamps contains several thousand from around the world. Many have been acquired through donation; all are subject-relevant and in mint condition.
Recent additions to our library collections.
⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections
⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections
August 15, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Recent additions to our library collections.
⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections
⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio.
#NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections