Mayfifth1935 Designs: Museum Menagerie

I have worked at National Museum Cardiff for over 20 years, I began as a Museum Assistant in 1999 then moved to Visitor Services administration. After a short time administering in the Director's Office I began a 6 months maternity cover in the Library. I loved the beautiful Library space, and enjoyed the work. I was so relieved when the Library Assistant I was covering decided not to return and I was able to apply for the post. I have been there ever since and am now Assistant Librarian.

The Library collections are eclectic, full of unexpected treasures and due to the foresight of the early Librarians, it holds an extensive archive charting the history of the Museum. I enjoyed getting to know this archive and learning about the early staff who created it. One character in particular who stood out for me is Archibald Lee, the first Museum Secretary. I wrote a blog post on him, to read it click here.

During my early years as a Museum Assistant, I became very attached to the zoological specimens I watched over. These beautiful static creatures with their frozen glassy-eyed stares, who once breathed and panted, scampered, galloped, flew and slithered in the sunshine, now sit quietly, remembering, dreaming. Imagine my wonder when, I saw the Vertebrate Store for the first time. There are thousands of animals, all neatly arranged on pristine shelves and labelled with genus, dates and accession numbers. The store also holds specimens too large to fit on a shelf, there's a tiger in there, and a bison too.

As well as a Librarian, I am an artist and poet and to celebrate my 20 year anniversary at the Museum, I have created a portfolio of animal portraits. Below are selected highlights of the collection, a link to the full collection appears under the last portrait.

They are my love letter to the Museum, I hope you enjoy them.