Natural History Dioramas

This book celebrates dioramas as a unique and essential learning tool for biological education for all. It provides information about their historical development, the technique of taxidermy and diorama construction from the past and the modern developments as well as aspects of interpretation and learning processes. The fresh and unique compilation brings together experts from a number of different countries, from the west coast of the USA, across Europe to China. It describes the journey of dioramas from their inception through development to visions of their future. A complementary journey is that of visitors and their individual sense making and construction of their understanding from their own starting points, often interacting with others (e.g. teachers, peers, parents) as well as media (e.g. labels). Dioramas have been, hitherto, a rather neglected area of museum exhibits but a renaissance is beginning for them and their educational importance in contributing to people’s understanding of the natural world. This volume shows how dioramas can reach a wide audience and increase access to biological knowledge.