An interview with Alex Gaffikin, Interpretation Developer for the 'Darwin' exhibition
2009 marks 200 years since the birth of British naturalist Charles Darwin. In commemoration of this momentous occasion, the Natural History Museum, in London, has developed a special ‘Darwin’ exhibition displaying many rare items never before seen by the public. Interpretation Developer Alex Gaffikin reveals more about this fascinating insight into the man and his revolutionary theory.
What was the inspiration behind the exhibition?
The exhibition is a highlight of Darwin200, a national programme of events celebrating Charles Darwin’s ideas, impact and influence around the bicentenary of his birth. The celebration started on the 1st July 2008 with the 150th anniversary of the presentation of the theory of natural selection to the Linnean Society. Next February is Darwin’s 200th birthday and then November 2009 is the 150th anniversary of the publication of origin of the species.
How are you involved in the project?
The exhibition was initially created by the American Museum of Natural History in collaboration with the Natural History Museum and has so far toured America and Canada. I was brought on board to help change and adapt the exhibition for British audiences. For example, we added more of our own material; the Natural History Museum has a lot of objects and specimens that belong to or are related to Darwin. For example, at the beginning of the exhibition we put on display two mockingbirds collected by Darwin at the Galapagos Islands. These mockingbirds first inspired Darwin to consider that species changed. And the fact that they were from different islands gave him the first inkling of the mechanism for that change.
At the end of the exhibition we put on display some of the books from our Darwin Collection. Last year, we bought one of the largest collections of Darwin’s works in the world. On display there are copies of ‘The Origin of the Species’ in Arabic, Braille, Japanese, Icelandic, Hebrew and a first edition copy.
We also added a video of our scientists talking about evolution, creationism and intelligent design. The scientists that are interviewed explain how evolution by natural selection is the only scientific explanation for the history and diversity of life on Earth.
What makes this exhibition different from previous Darwin exhibitions?
The exhibition is different to the versions touring in America because we have added a lot more material. While we were sourcing objects for the exhibition we approached Randal Keynes, Darwin’s great great grandson. He loaned us ’Etty’s box’, which is a small box of mementoes that belonged to Darwin’s daughter Etty. Inside is a collection of hair, cut from members of the family on their birth or death. One of the envelopes had written on it ‘collected from my father’s desk after his death’ and inside Randal saw lots of little grey hairs. He believes that they came from Darwin’s beard.
The exhibition is huge. It has many areas covering the Beagle Voyage, Darwin as a scientist, Darwin as a family man, his time in London, in Down House and then his legacy – what evidence has been found subsequent top Darwin publishing his theory that supports Natural Selection. There is material brought together from numerous lenders including the National Archives, Cambridge University, English Heritage and the British Library, as well as a lot of material from our own collections that has never been on display before.
What can visitors learn at the exhibition?
The exhibition is an intriguing mix of Darwin the scientist and Darwin the man. We start the exhibition with Darwin aged 22, young and excited about the 5 year voyage. We have some great displays showing the things he saw on his voyage including two like animals, an iguana and a horned frog.
In the next part we are in London and we see a list that Darwin wrote on his pros and cons for marriage! The pros obviously won because he married his cousin Emma Wedgewood. And we get a glimpse of Darwin as a father, encouraging his children in natural history.
There is a selection of finches from our collections that demonstrate clearly how natural selection has resulted in different species of finches with different beaks.
The final part of the exhibition is all about the theory of natural selection itself. You can see what predictions the theory made and what evidence there is to support it.
Where have the exhibits come from?
We have objects from the American Museum of Natural History, the Natural History Museum London, Cambridge University Library, English Heritage’s Down House, The Charles Darwin Trust, Simon Keynes, Randal Keynes, Stapley Water Gardens, Botanic Gardens Kew, The Wedgewood Museum Trust, Linnean Society, UK Hydrological Office, British Library.
How does this exhibition link in with other Darwin exhibitions? (i.e. Down House in Kent)
We actually have a mock-up of Darwin’s study at Down House in the exhibition, which is great because they are renovating Down House at the moment and it doesn’t open until next February.
Do you have any advice for group travel organisers planning a Darwin ‘trail’?
Check out Darwin200 for more information on trips and places to visit across the country; more details can be found at www.darwin200.org
Who is the exhibition aimed at? What is in it for adult leisure groups?
The exhibition is aimed at adults. I think it will be interesting for people who love Darwin and they will find out lots of things they didn’t know, or will see some genuine objects altogether in one place. But the exhibition is also great for people who know very little about Darwin – it gives a real sense of the man behind the beard!
What is the best time for adult groups to visit (i.e. to avoid school parties etc)
The Museum is very busy at weekends and holidays so a quieter time is during term time. We sometimes get school groups in the morning, but even with these it’s quieter than at weekends.
How long should groups allow for a visit to the exhibition?
You could whiz round in 45 minutes – but if you read everything it would last a couple of hours. Leave plenty of time, it’s a meaty exhibition!
What services do you offer groups visiting the museum? (i.e. talks, group tours, catering)
If you are a party of 10 or more and would like to book tickets for an exhibition, the museum offers a discount of 15%. For more information, please call ticket enquiries on 020 7942 5725.
Photographs ©NHM