1977 British Museum Poster, Swamp by Barbara Nicholson BEM, bog, Natural History Museum, wall art decor

A 1977 British Museum of Natural History (now referred to as the Natural History Museum) poster of the floral and botanical life within a swamp.
Printed in 1977 by the British Museum (Natural History)
Wallchart EB11
Printed by Westerham Press, England
By Barbara Nicholson (BEM)
Dimensions: 23.5 in x 31.5 in (60 cm x 80 cm)

In the 1970s the Museum commissioned Barbara Nicholson (1906-1978) to paint a series of educational posters to represent UK ecology and biodiversity. From 1800s onwards, many artists followed the Linnaean style to explore anatomical features, but Nicholson chose to portray the relationships present within ecosystems and she does to marvellous effect.

Barbara Nicholson was using her imagination to create the composition, but what she captures is both the detail of the species and the particular habitats in which they are to be found. She undertook the commissions to share with us her conviction of the need to conserve wild plants in their habitats, with many of the habitats she depicted at the time already under threat. They therefore act as reminders of what we potentially could lose if measures are not taken to protect them.

Because of continued pressure on space the decision was taken to move natural history to a new building in South Kensington, which would later become the British Museum of Natural History. Although commonly referred to as the Natural History Museum, it was officially known as British Museum (Natural History) until 1992, despite legal separation from the British Museum itself in 1963. Originating from collections within the British Museum.

Because of the age of these posters, there are areas of wear and tear, particularly on the edges. I have done my best to take photos where they are torn or stained. The good news is that when framed, the tears press up well against glass, and edges can be hidden by mats. Any wear picked up from years are part of the vintage charm.

When framed these colourful and detailed posters, with vibrant colours can become a centre piece for any room, to remind us of a simpler time.

These posters are sent as unframed. They will be rolled up and delivered in a cardboard tube for protection.

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