Illustrations of Nature

From the earliest woodcuts through to modern photography, images have played a vital role in helping to describe the natural world.

Over the centuries, natural history artists have produced illustrations that were valued as much for their beauty as for their contribution to science. As a result, natural history prints and books became collectible items just as likely to be found decorating the walls of fashionable homes as on the shelves of a scientist's library. We have selected a variety of images from the rare book, print and paper collections of the Library and Natural Sciences departments for you to enjoy.