1873 British Museum Natural History Museum - Richard Owen Gorilla Specimens
Item History & Price
Antique Print Description Details:Title: Holiday Time: British Museum.Type: Original Antique Wood Engraved PrintPublication: Illustrated London NewsDate: 1873Artist: F SmithGrade: Excellent condition with centerfold as published. Minor foxing in margins.Size: 12" x 19" (printed area); 15 3/4" x 21 3/4" (total area).Item Description:
Offered here is an original antique wood engraved print published in the Illustrated London News in 1873. This image shows th...e general public visiting one of the natural history rooms in the British Museum (before the Natural History Museum separated to South Kensington). Visible in back are the Gorilla specimens that caused a sensation when sold to Richard Owen by Paul Du Chaillu in 1860 (Darwins 'Origins' published 1860, 'Descent of Man' published 1871). Opening the museum to the public was contentious, but had Richard Owen's support. In 1835 the BM principle Librarian Sir Henry Ellis noted "the more vulgar class would crowd into the museum" "sailors from dock yards and girls whom they might bring with them" "the more important class of the population would be discontented". It was not untill 1879 that daily opening hours allowed the working class to regularly visit the museum.
The print measures 12" x 19" (printed area); 15 3/4" x 21 3/4" (total area), perfect for framing. At over a hundred sixty years old, this engaging original print is highly displayable. Antiqueprintopia only sells original antique prints and they always come with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
Offered here is an original antique wood engraved print published in the Illustrated London News in 1873. This image shows th...e general public visiting one of the natural history rooms in the British Museum (before the Natural History Museum separated to South Kensington). Visible in back are the Gorilla specimens that caused a sensation when sold to Richard Owen by Paul Du Chaillu in 1860 (Darwins 'Origins' published 1860, 'Descent of Man' published 1871). Opening the museum to the public was contentious, but had Richard Owen's support. In 1835 the BM principle Librarian Sir Henry Ellis noted "the more vulgar class would crowd into the museum" "sailors from dock yards and girls whom they might bring with them" "the more important class of the population would be discontented". It was not untill 1879 that daily opening hours allowed the working class to regularly visit the museum.
The print measures 12" x 19" (printed area); 15 3/4" x 21 3/4" (total area), perfect for framing. At over a hundred sixty years old, this engaging original print is highly displayable. Antiqueprintopia only sells original antique prints and they always come with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
