Museum blog

Researchers working under the explorer William Parry in the far North sought to uncover the mysteries of the Arctic, but extreme cold and bizarre magnetic effects interfered in their research more than they had anticipated.

In what is often considered one of the most extreme environments on Earth, harsh conditions made work difficult not only for the scientists, but also for their instruments.

Political Agent is the eighth post in our series exploring the many fascinating identities Emma Hamilton held throughout her life. It explores Emma's extraordinary political influence during her time in Naples.

While Mars may be the planet that springs to mind when there are discussions of possible alien life in our Solar System, a publication on the discovery of a rare gas (phosphine) in Venus's atmosphere may mean that there is more than one planet that possesses the potential for life.

As a young woman Emma Hamilton was one of the era's most celebrated beauties, enchanting aristocrats and artists alike. But how did other women fare in this age of pressure to conform to ideals of feminine beauty. Historian Emily Brand investigates.

This month we investigate a small notebook from the Journal and Diary collection (RMG reference: JOD/325), kept by Thomas Edward Chilvers from the time he was serving in the Merchant Navy onboard the ship Empire Baffin. The Journal and Diary collection offers a fascinating insight into life at sea in the Royal and Merchant Navy, the fields of exploration and leisure activities in the words of those who contributed to laying the foundations of Britain’s maritime heritage.

The lead paint on this figurehead was once as white as a polar bear's fur. Helen Robertson applied a technique from paper conservation to lighten this 3D object.