Images of Nature is the Natural History Museum’s new permanent exhibition that aims to explore the relationship between art and science from the seventeenth century to the present day. For a small exhibition it has a large scope, both chronologically and geographically. While the key theme of the exhibition is the scientific use of images of plants and animals, the artistic potential of the images is emphasised throughout.

The highlight of the exhibition is a selection of watercolours from the collection of John Reeves. An amateur naturalist, Reeves commissioned over 2,000 paintings from local artists while living in China in the early 1800s. Although they were originally intended for scientific reference and research, these works are highly stylised and richly coloured, which causes them to pop out from their parchment backgrounds. This collection forms the basis of the exhibition, and the theme is continued with a series of contemporary works by Chinese artists commissioned by the Natural History Museum. Rounding out the display are modern images created using highly scientific imaging processes including nano-CT scanners. Their juxtaposition alongside more traditional media proves the unexpected beauty of cell analysis and satellite mapping. The gallery space is small, and to reach it you must fight your way through the crowds of over-excited children and weary adults queuing for the popular Dinosaur exhibits. Although there are interactive stations for visitors to view works not on display, there is not enough space for the exhibition to really evolve. The Natural History Museum has a collection of over 500,000 artworks, of which the 110 displayed in Images of Nature represent an unfortunately paltry fraction. The theme has real potential, and it would benefit from being showcased in a larger, temporary exhibition, where the relationship between nature, art and science could be explored more comprehensively.

Permanent exhibition

CHLOE SCOTT