iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Never judge a book by its cover or size... Deutschlands Giftpflanzen : zum Gebrauch für Schulen auf einer Tafel abgebildet und fasslich beschrieben, edited by Karl Gottlieb Plato (1829-1840). Germany's poisonous plants : depicted on a chart and described in accessible terms for use in schools.

0102

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

When the NHM opened in 1881, visitors with cameras had to buy a permit and send two copies of each print to the Museum’s collections. You can scroll through a few highlights from each album by swiping left in this post. See every page here: buff.ly/31893CL #MuseumArchives #DigitisedCollections

03513

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Recent new additions to our library botanical journal collections 📚️ Visitors to our reading room can access our physical and online collections. ⬆️Use the link in our bio to learn more about our collections and how to make an appointment. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Botany

Seven modern journals, all related to the natural sciences, laid out. Above are the words: Recent new additions to our botanical journal collections.

052

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Thomas Pennant's (1726-1798) body of work spanned natural history, antiquities and travel. To celebrate his tercentenary, we've added his correspondence and catalogues to our Digital Special Collections: buff.ly/ZFULOe0. #Manuscripts #18thCentury #HistoryOfScience #HistoryOfNaturalHistory

1218

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Every celebration deserves cake! In 1950, Museum botanist John Ramsbottom's retirement was marked with this fungi-bedecked baking showstopper! We wonder who got the Stinkhorn slice... #NaturalHistoryMuseum ##GBBO #Bakeoff #ExploreYourArchive

Black and white photograph of a large circular iced cake. There are 30 plus candles placed in a circle round the entire edge of the cake. The cake is elaborately decorated with hand piped icing on all the edges and eight different realistic mushrooms.

0397

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Do you remember visiting the Geological Museum when the galleries looked like this? For many, it is a complete surprise to see this image from our archives. The Geological Museum was founded in 1835 by Sir Henry de la Beche; the first institution of its kind in the world. #NaturalHistoryMuseum

2110

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

16 October 2026, 11.00 - 15.00. Location: Lasting Impressions Gallery. (Free, drop in.) Visitors to the Museum will have the opportunity to enter this collection space, speak with the Library and Archives team, and view a selection of material from across the collections. #NaturalHistoryMuseum

A group of people surround a display of artwork, archives and bound items on a large table. A member of staff has picked up an item on the display to show to one of the people. Surrounding the table are tall wooden bookshelves.

The following information has been added to the image 'Library and Archives Open Day 16 October 2026 11.00 - 15.00.'

1105

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Dig Deeper: The Traveller with Andrea Wulf Tuesday 8 September 18:30–20:00 Join us for a special evening as acclaimed author Andrea Wulf explores the remarkable life and legacy of eighteenth-century naturalist George Forster. £25 (Members £15) Book tickets: buff.ly/3UGnwhq

054

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Beyond the Galleries Tour After a guided walk looking at the architecture of the Museum, cool down in our Reading Room, and join one of our archivists for a show-and-tell display from the Museum Archives. For more information see the link in our bio. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Archives

A man stands leaning over a large table looking at a building plan. There are archival items at the other end of the table, flat and framed. In the background you can see a wall of bookshelves.

1102

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

The school holidays are here 🥳 We always find it inspiring to come across visitors drawing away, especially during the school holidays. You will find many opportunities to engage with Library and Archive collections in the public galleries. The perfect excuse to get your sketchbook out.

A close up of a person holding an art pad and pencil in front of an original artwork. They are holding a pencil in their right hand and written on the page are the words 'what will you draw?'. The artwork depicts three aye-aye.

1141

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Recent new additions to our library book collections 📚️ ⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections #NaturalHistory #Science #Birds #Moths #Diptera #Minerals #Palaeontology #Algae #Flora #Botany #BookSky #Insects

Nine new books displayed on a large grey desk, they are different but all relate to natural history subjects. It is clear this is taken in a library reading room. In the background are more large desks, chairs, a tall ladder and floor to ceiling wooden bookshelves.

1272

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Founded by John Frost in 1821, the Medico-Botanical Society of London existed until 1849. This signature book, contains twenty-six pages of signatures. Among them are dignitaries such as Queen Victoria, King William IV, and European royalty. It also features two watercolours by an unknown artist.

Two pages from a manuscript with multiple colourful watercolours of flowers and plants on each of them. The left-hand image has the signature 'Victoria' on it, which is Queen Victoria.

Two images of a manuscript volume. The left-hand image is the front cover of the volume; it is a deep red binding with three metal fastenings along the right-hand side. The image on the right is the handwritten title page, 'Signature book of the Medico-Botanical Society of London, instituted 1821.'

1112

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

1151

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Recent new additions to our library book collections 📚️ ⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections #NaturalHistory #Science #Diptera #Minerals #Flora #Botany #Butterflies #BookSky #Insects #Thailand #Palaeontology

Seven books displayed on a library desk. In the background are wooden library bookshelves and in front of these is a white statue depicting a seated Charles Darwin reading a book.

071

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

In 1665 Robert Hooke (1635 – 1703), scientist, biologist, astronomer and architect, published 'Micrographia', containing illustrations of specimens studied under a microscope. At the time a ground breaking way to study and view the natural world. #Entomology #SciArt #SpecialCollections

A black and white printed illustration of a flea, viewed from the side, as seen down a microscope.

Black and white published illustration that fills the page. It is the depiction of a fly, head on, as seen through a microscope.

2217

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Today is the 206th birthday of naturalist Gilbert White (1720-1793). But who was he and why is he important? For more in-depth knowledge than we can fit here, see buff.ly/ykmOf4V or visit buff.ly/O0qUNt7. Happy birthday, Gilbert! #otd

2256

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Born on this day in 1861, Frederick William Frohawk (1861-1946) was an English zoological artist, author and naturalist. Our Library Special Collections hold a significant number of his original artwork and publications. We have digitised three collections of his watercolours. #NaturalHistoryMuseum

Watercolour drawing of the head of a Cassowary bird. It is black, blue and red in colour.

Watercolour of a pheasant bird. The body of the bird is white and the head is blue, green and red.

2172

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Out now! The Summer 2026 issue of the Museum's Magazine, free to Museum members & subscribers of Apple News+ & Readly. Featuring articles on the creation of the #NaturalHistoryMuseum, by Karolyn Shindler, & tales of the Abominable snowman from the #Archives, by Assistant Archivist, Rebecca Keddie.

Man in 19th-century formal attire—black suit with a red academic gown—stands with one hand on his hip and the other resting on a large fossilized thigh bone displayed on a draped table.

Coiled bright green pit viper with textured scales and a vertical pupil against a black background, overlaid by large white headline Beauty balance bite and small Natural History Museum branding promoting a Summer 2026 feature about snakes.

043

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Friday 17 July 2026, 11.00 - 15.00. Location: Lasting Impressions Gallery. (Free, drop in.) Visitors will have the opportunity to enter this collection space, speak with the Library & Archives team, & view a selection of material from across the collections. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #SciArt

Four smiling people stand in a line behind a table which displays a varied collection of items from a library and archive. There are books lying open in foam supports and mounted artwork standing upright. Each is accompanied with a label. The items contain text and illustrations, all the images relate to animals and plants, including fish and a koala.

1187

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

We're hiring! Come work with us as a Project Library and Archives Assistant. See more at buff.ly/CkgpFwK, or check the Current Vacancies section of the NHM website. #Hiring #Jobs #GLAMJobs #LibraryJobs

02016

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Our very own Andrea Hart @drewy_hart (Head of Special Collections) presenting her poster at the Society for the History of Natural History conference. ‘From carcass to knowledge: dissecting the zoo with Richard Owen (1804 - 1892).’ @natural_history_museum @officialzsl

1162

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Recent new additions to our library book collections 📚️ ⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections #NaturalHistory #Science #Fossils #Palaeontology #Iceland #Linnaeus #Moths #BookSky

Five books displayed on a table. In the background you can library desks, bookshelves and a library ladder.

0202

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

POV: Hearing the ice-cream van on your lunch break. From a collection of forty-nine original watercolour drawings by Ferdinand Bauer (1760-1826). ⬆️ See link in our bio to the 'Digitised Collections' to view this collection and to explore many others. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #UKHeatWave #HeatWaveUK

Original watercolour of two brightly coloured Weedy seadragons. They look very similar and are shades of orange, yellow and pink.

Image: 38 Phyllopteryx taeniolatus (Weedy seadragon) by Ferdinand Bauer (1760-1826). From a collection of forty-nine original watercolour drawings of animals which were collected when accompanying the voyage under Capt. M. Flinders to Australia.

0244

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

POV: You have the iceberg, but no piña colada big enough to get you through the UK heatwave. #UKHeatWave #HeatWaveUK #Iceberg #KeepingItCool #IceIceBaby #NaturalHistoryMuseum

This black and white photograph is one of the first ever taken of Antarctic icebergs. The photo was taken in February 1874, during the voyage of H.M.S. Challenger (1872-1876) funded by the British Government for scientific purposes. The expedition is believed to have been the first to carry an official photographer.

071

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Feeling crabby in this week's hot weather? Distract yourself with a lovely picture of a purple-legged crustacean. Pl. 39 Portunus pelagicus by Ferdinand Bauer (1760-1826). ⬆️ See link in our bio to the 'Digitised Collections' to view this collection and explore many others. #NaturalHistoryMuseum

Original watercolour of a crab. The main body is green and the legs and claws are shades of grey, purple and blue.

1193

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Due to the extreme weather alert this week, but have taken the decision to postpone our planned open day. We will let you know when the next open day is, as soon as we can. Stay tuned!

181

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Recent new additions to our library book collections 📚️ ⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections #NaturalHistory #Science #Wetlands #Fossils #LandSnails #Butterflies #Moths #BookSky

Six books displayed on a big grey table. In the background are book shelves, a library ladder and library desks.

0162

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

If "Mosquito embebbed in paper on page 215" isn't a copy-specific note, we don't know what is. #SpecialCollections #Cataloguing #BlueSkyBooks #Insects

Title page of 1790 book title Delectus Opusculorum Botanicorum.

Close-up photograph of a book page showing a mosquito embedded into paper during paper-making process.

3408

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Diversity: It's in our nature. Happy Pride 2026 from NHM Library and Archives! (All images taken from artwork in our collections.) #Pride #PrideMonth #PrideMonth2026

A rainbow Pride flag. All colours are drawn from natural history artworks.

06119

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Today, visitors to our central Hintze Hall are greeted by the wonder of a real blue whale skeleton, a female, named Hope. But what would visitors in 1901 have seen in this same location, then called the Central Hall? #NaturalHistoryMuseum #MuseumArchives #ThrowbackThursday #ExploreYourArchives

1143

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Marine biologist, Isabella Gordon was born #OTD in 1901. Appointed Assistant Keeper with a responsibility for Crustacea in 1928, Gordon was one of the first female scientists to work at the Museum.

Staff photograph of Isabella Gordon in 1961 (Museum Archives: DF/PH/2/6/2/7)

19422

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

If you are visiting the Natural History Museum, here is an extra reason to visit the Treasures Gallery. On display until early June is the latest hand-coloured engraved plate from our copy of John James Audubon's 'The Birds of America' (1827-1838). Plate 192 Great Grey Shrike, or Butcher Bird.

A woman in a floral dress and wearing purple gloves, leans forwards to place a mounted artwork into a glass case.

The artwork depicts small birds on branches, the birds are black, white and grey.

Behind the glass case you can see the room it is in has long, narrow stained glass windows.

1203

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

New additions to our library book collections 🎉 ⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections #NaturalHistory #Science #Mammals #Minerals #Fossils #Palaeontology #BookSky #BlueSkyBooks

Four books displayed on a table. In the background is a library reading room, with high bookshelves, a ladder and large tables.

3201

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

A centenary celebration of Aubrey Williams (1926-1990), whose work was seen as a radical fusion of contemporary British and Guyanese art. The NHM Library holds 11 paintings of birds by Williams which he completed between 1978 and 1980. #AubreyWilliamsCentenary #NatureInArt #100Years

192

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

A MASSIVE Happy 100th Birthday to one of our favourite library visitors, Sir David Attenborough. 100 images from our collections for 100 years: You inspire us all. #DavidAttenborough #100Birthday #Attenborough #NatureInArt

A collage of 100 thumbnail images arranged in a 10x10 grid. Each image is related to natural history art, books or people.

13612

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

As we sailed past the bookshelves this morning, we came across this little Orkney gem and thought of our legendary counterparts at @orkneylibrary.bsky.social. #Orkney #LoveLibraries #NaturalHistoryMuseum #BookSky #BlueSkyBooks

A book is held in front of a bookcase, displaying its illustrated front cover and spine. The front cover reads 'The Orkney book' and shows an illustration of a Viking boat.

A book is held open in front of a bookcase. It is open at the title page, which reads 'The Orkney book.' The lefthand page displays the photograph is a church.

0235

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Hawthorn Blossom, Human Eyeball, Inside Quill-Feathers of the Kittiwake -- What's your Werner White colour today? Follow the link in our bio to see more of Werner's Nomenclature of Colours in our Digitised Special Collections. #NatureInArt

A photograph of a page showing 8 shades of white. The appearance in nature of each shade -- one animal, one vegetable, one mineral -- is listed for each hue.

A photograph of the title page of the book 'Werner's nomenclature of colours' by Patrick Syme.

070

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Light Brown Spots on Guinea Pig, Dead Leaves of green Panic Grass, Mineral Pitch -- What's your Werner Brown colour today? Follow the link in our bio to see more of Werner's Nomenclature of Colours in our Digitised Special Collections. #NatureInArt

Photograph of a page from Werner's Nomenclature showing shades of brown. An animal, vegetable and a mineral in which this colour appears is listed beside each shade.

The title page of a book titled 'Werner's Nomenclature of Colours' by Patrick Syme.

0155

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Desmond Morris (1928 – 2026), zoologist and broadcaster. A browse along our zoology shelves to see a selection of his books from across the years. #DesmondMorris

Five books authored by Desmond Morris, displayed on a table.

1202

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

New additions to our library book collections 🎉 ⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections #BookSky #NaturalHistory #Science

0162

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Mark on Head of Red Grouse, Brown Disk of common Marigold, Precious Garnet -- What's your Werner Red colour today? Follow the link in our bio to see more of Werner's Nomenclature of Colours in our Digitised Special Collections. #NatureInArt

A colour photograph of a printed colour chart. A table headed "Red" includes squares of varying shades of red. On each row are listed an animal, vegetable, and a mineral in which this colour appears in nature.

A photograph of a title page headed "Werner's nomenclature of colours."

0153

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Out now! The Spring 2026 issue of the Museum's Magazine. This edition features articles on the creation of the Natural History Museum, by Scientific Associate, Karolyn Shindler, and on father and son Museum masons, Caleb and Frank Barlow, by Assistant Archivist, Rebecca Keddie.

A black and white photograph of a man in a white lab coat standing in front of a table with fossils. He is inspecting one in his hand.

132

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Gold Fish lustre abstracted, Belly of the Warty Newt, Dark Brazilian Topaz -- What's your Werner Orange colour today? Follow the link in our bio to see more of Werner's Nomenclature of Colours in our Digitised Special Collections. #NatureInArt

A colour photograph of a printed colour chart. A table headed "Oranges" includes squares of varying shades of orange. On each row are listed an animal, vegetable, and a mineral in which this colour appears in nature.

A photograph of a printed title page headed "Werner's nomenclature of colours."

193

Reposted by NHM Library and Archives

Andrea Hart @andreahart.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

#Cadbury Mini #eggs (created in 1967) or Henrik Grönvold’s watercolours of the eggs of British Birds (1924)? See more of Grönvold’s drawings on @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social ‘s Digitised Collections nhm.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44... (mini eggs now all consumed) #Easter #Art #chocolate

0213

Reposted by NHM Library and Archives

Andrea Hart @andreahart.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

The #original drawings for Archibald Thorburn’s classic British Mammals are preserved in @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social collections and have been #digitised and available here nhm.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44... #bats #mammals #zoologicalart #specialcollections

0163

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

New additions to our library book collections 🎉 ⬆️Learn more about our collections and how to visit us via the link in our bio. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #ModernCollections #Booksky #NaturalHistory #Science

Eight journals grouped on a table, they all relate to a natural history subject.

Six journals grouped on a table, they all relate to a natural history subject.

0132

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Yellow Parts of Large Dragonfly, Shrubby Goldylocks, Gallstones -- What's your Werner Yellow colour today? Follow the link in our bio to see more of Werner's Nomenclature of Colours in our Digitised Special Collections. #NatureInArt

A colour photograph of a printed colour chart. A table headed "Yellows" includes squares of varying shades of yellow. On each row are listed an animal, vegetable, and a mineral in which this colour appears in nature.

1121

NHM Library and Archives @nhmlibraryarchives.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

0238