The Natural History Collections of the University of Edinburgh have three main roles: as a teaching museum (for students of the University and others), as a research resource (we house internationally important reference collections of several animal groups), and as an archive of materials and artefacts from the long tradition of Zoology teaching in the University.

The current collection was founded by J.H. Ashworth, Professor of Natural History (1927-1936). The publicly accessible museum, housed in a Museum Suite designed by Sir Robert Lorimer in 1928, contains specimens displayed systematically – to illustrate the evolution and diversity of the Animal Kingdom. The museum is open on specified Open Days, and also by arrangement with the curators.

The NHC has a public web site ( http://www.nhc.ed.ac.uk/ ).

We welcome enquiries from artists and designers who would like to explore and work with our extensive collection of lantern slides, specimens and other materials.

Edinburgh University Natural History Collections

The Ashworth Laboratories
University of Edinburgh
King's Buildings
Edinburgh
EH9 3JT

Tel: 0131 650 6760
Fax: 0131 667 3210

Email:
mark.blaxter@ed.ac.uk

For more information visit:
http://www.nhc.ed.ac.uk/