Jack Ashby
@jackdashby.bsky.social
Award-winning author #PlatypusMatters & #NaturesMemory. Assistant Director of @ZoologyMuseum.bsky.social at Cambridge Uni. President of the Society for the History of Natural History. Australian mammal nerd. He/him. Own views.
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Jack Ashby
@jackdashby.bsky.social
· Nov 13
OK here I go. Expect posts about the wonderful world of Australian mammals, the quirks of natural history museums, and chasing beasts around the place.
Reposted by Jack Ashby
👀😮😊👍👏
Love this! I really thought it was a wild scene indeed.
Beautifully done!
Love this! I really thought it was a wild scene indeed.
Beautifully done!
Be honest, could you tell this was a diorama?
Haus der Natur in #Salzburg uses many tricks to make viewers believe they're seeing a wild scene: high-quality #taxidermy, outstanding background painting with perspective to give depth, and hiding the point where the painting meets the 3D foreground. 🐐
Haus der Natur in #Salzburg uses many tricks to make viewers believe they're seeing a wild scene: high-quality #taxidermy, outstanding background painting with perspective to give depth, and hiding the point where the painting meets the 3D foreground. 🐐
November 20, 2025 at 1:19 PM
👀😮😊👍👏
Love this! I really thought it was a wild scene indeed.
Beautifully done!
Love this! I really thought it was a wild scene indeed.
Beautifully done!
A wet #wombat shakes off the rain and then gets back to some busy grazing.
#WombatWednesday #Tasmania #MammalWatching #WildOz #wombats
#WombatWednesday #Tasmania #MammalWatching #WildOz #wombats
November 26, 2025 at 8:13 AM
A wet #wombat shakes off the rain and then gets back to some busy grazing.
#WombatWednesday #Tasmania #MammalWatching #WildOz #wombats
#WombatWednesday #Tasmania #MammalWatching #WildOz #wombats
What a genuinely outstanding book. First Tasmanians by Shayne Breen brings together so much research about the history of Aboriginal culture in #Tasmania, from resilience through the Ice Age, through thriving in a challenging environment, resistance to the genocide and recent revitalisation. 📖👏
November 25, 2025 at 9:16 AM
What a genuinely outstanding book. First Tasmanians by Shayne Breen brings together so much research about the history of Aboriginal culture in #Tasmania, from resilience through the Ice Age, through thriving in a challenging environment, resistance to the genocide and recent revitalisation. 📖👏
Two #dingoes left Australia alive in 1802, with France's Baudin Expedition - the first known to travel overseas with Europeans. This male died during the voyage, but a female made it to the menagerie in Paris. Both are now in @mnhn.fr. #dingo #taxidermy
November 25, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Two #dingoes left Australia alive in 1802, with France's Baudin Expedition - the first known to travel overseas with Europeans. This male died during the voyage, but a female made it to the menagerie in Paris. Both are now in @mnhn.fr. #dingo #taxidermy
NICE! What a flipping lovely review of #NaturesMemory. And a lovely way to end the week!😊
"Inspired and inspiring... With Nature’s Memory, Ashby makes a vital contribution to the literature on the history of natural history #museums and collections, and critical museology and decolonizing practice."
"Inspired and inspiring... With Nature’s Memory, Ashby makes a vital contribution to the literature on the history of natural history #museums and collections, and critical museology and decolonizing practice."
Check out Kristan M. Hanson's review of @jackdashby.bsky.social's "Nature's Memory: Behind the Scenes at the World’s Natural History
Museums," published in 2025 by Allen Lane; review now available @hnetreviews.bsky.social #envhist #envhum #histsci
www.h-net.org/reviews/show...
Museums," published in 2025 by Allen Lane; review now available @hnetreviews.bsky.social #envhist #envhum #histsci
www.h-net.org/reviews/show...
www.h-net.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:35 PM
NICE! What a flipping lovely review of #NaturesMemory. And a lovely way to end the week!😊
"Inspired and inspiring... With Nature’s Memory, Ashby makes a vital contribution to the literature on the history of natural history #museums and collections, and critical museology and decolonizing practice."
"Inspired and inspiring... With Nature’s Memory, Ashby makes a vital contribution to the literature on the history of natural history #museums and collections, and critical museology and decolonizing practice."
Curator: Please can you make me a #taxidermy koala? 🐨
Taxidermist: Sure. Any pointers for what you want it to be doing or how it looks?
Curator: Yes, since you've asked, could you give it a pot-belly, and make it scratch it?
Taxidermist: 🫡
Taxidermist: Sure. Any pointers for what you want it to be doing or how it looks?
Curator: Yes, since you've asked, could you give it a pot-belly, and make it scratch it?
Taxidermist: 🫡
November 21, 2025 at 7:55 AM
Curator: Please can you make me a #taxidermy koala? 🐨
Taxidermist: Sure. Any pointers for what you want it to be doing or how it looks?
Curator: Yes, since you've asked, could you give it a pot-belly, and make it scratch it?
Taxidermist: 🫡
Taxidermist: Sure. Any pointers for what you want it to be doing or how it looks?
Curator: Yes, since you've asked, could you give it a pot-belly, and make it scratch it?
Taxidermist: 🫡
Be honest, could you tell this was a diorama?
Haus der Natur in #Salzburg uses many tricks to make viewers believe they're seeing a wild scene: high-quality #taxidermy, outstanding background painting with perspective to give depth, and hiding the point where the painting meets the 3D foreground. 🐐
Haus der Natur in #Salzburg uses many tricks to make viewers believe they're seeing a wild scene: high-quality #taxidermy, outstanding background painting with perspective to give depth, and hiding the point where the painting meets the 3D foreground. 🐐
November 20, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Be honest, could you tell this was a diorama?
Haus der Natur in #Salzburg uses many tricks to make viewers believe they're seeing a wild scene: high-quality #taxidermy, outstanding background painting with perspective to give depth, and hiding the point where the painting meets the 3D foreground. 🐐
Haus der Natur in #Salzburg uses many tricks to make viewers believe they're seeing a wild scene: high-quality #taxidermy, outstanding background painting with perspective to give depth, and hiding the point where the painting meets the 3D foreground. 🐐
THIS IS TONIGHT! Grab a free ticket if you're around #Cambridge and are curious about what natural history #museums get up to.
Sedgwick Museum Lates: Behind the Scenes uncovered
Free, 18+ evening event.
Thursday 20th November, 6-9pm
Delve into our work behind the scenes. Featuring @jackdashby.bsky.social ‘in conversation’ as we discuss his book ‘Nature’s Memory, Behind The Scenes at the World’s Natural History Museums’.
Free, 18+ evening event.
Thursday 20th November, 6-9pm
Delve into our work behind the scenes. Featuring @jackdashby.bsky.social ‘in conversation’ as we discuss his book ‘Nature’s Memory, Behind The Scenes at the World’s Natural History Museums’.
November 20, 2025 at 7:51 AM
THIS IS TONIGHT! Grab a free ticket if you're around #Cambridge and are curious about what natural history #museums get up to.
Reposted by Jack Ashby
Surprisingly true.
As Samuel Johnson - perhaps the most accomplished wordsmith ever - said, "When a man is tired of #wombats, he is tired of life".
#WombatWednesday #fieldwork #Tasmania #wombat #MammalWatching #WildOz
#WombatWednesday #fieldwork #Tasmania #wombat #MammalWatching #WildOz
October 29, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Surprisingly true.
We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at #wombats, as I think Oscar Wilde once said.
#WombatWednesday #Tasmania #MammalWatching #WildOz #wombat
#WombatWednesday #Tasmania #MammalWatching #WildOz #wombat
November 19, 2025 at 7:32 AM
We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at #wombats, as I think Oscar Wilde once said.
#WombatWednesday #Tasmania #MammalWatching #WildOz #wombat
#WombatWednesday #Tasmania #MammalWatching #WildOz #wombat
November 18, 2025 at 7:54 AM
In #museums we get to help a lot of people with their work (our collections are here to be studied, and researchers are also often interested in the practices we develop) - it turns out I had 290 research visitors or enquiries in 24/25! 🤓
Here's a word cloud of what they were interested in:
Here's a word cloud of what they were interested in:
November 17, 2025 at 3:57 PM
In #museums we get to help a lot of people with their work (our collections are here to be studied, and researchers are also often interested in the practices we develop) - it turns out I had 290 research visitors or enquiries in 24/25! 🤓
Here's a word cloud of what they were interested in:
Here's a word cloud of what they were interested in:
CALLING ALL #CAMBRIDGE MUSEUM & NATURAL HISTORY NERDS!
This Thursday, the fabulous @sedgwickmuseum.bsky.social opens late for "Behind the Scenes Uncovered" - alongside a bunch of cool activities, I'll be doing an "in-conversation" about my book #NaturesMemory.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sedgwick-m...
This Thursday, the fabulous @sedgwickmuseum.bsky.social opens late for "Behind the Scenes Uncovered" - alongside a bunch of cool activities, I'll be doing an "in-conversation" about my book #NaturesMemory.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sedgwick-m...
Sedgwick Museum Lates: Behind the Scenes Uncovered
Explore the Museum in an atmospheric evening setting, as we share our work and collections behind the scenes.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 9:43 AM
CALLING ALL #CAMBRIDGE MUSEUM & NATURAL HISTORY NERDS!
This Thursday, the fabulous @sedgwickmuseum.bsky.social opens late for "Behind the Scenes Uncovered" - alongside a bunch of cool activities, I'll be doing an "in-conversation" about my book #NaturesMemory.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sedgwick-m...
This Thursday, the fabulous @sedgwickmuseum.bsky.social opens late for "Behind the Scenes Uncovered" - alongside a bunch of cool activities, I'll be doing an "in-conversation" about my book #NaturesMemory.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sedgwick-m...
Climbing up above #Salzburg - through the low blanket of cloud and fog - brought rewards of stunning views, a spattering of snow, and a few chamois in their thick, dark winter coats. 🐐
#MammalWatching #WildAustria
#MammalWatching #WildAustria
November 17, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Climbing up above #Salzburg - through the low blanket of cloud and fog - brought rewards of stunning views, a spattering of snow, and a few chamois in their thick, dark winter coats. 🐐
#MammalWatching #WildAustria
#MammalWatching #WildAustria
I've raided some of my #fieldguide shelves for a little consultancy project this weekend. 📚 It's a good excuse to look at books covering different parts of the world together (plus a first proper dive into @jimlabisko.bsky.social's GORGEOUS new #Frog book 🐸)
November 15, 2025 at 5:06 PM
I've raided some of my #fieldguide shelves for a little consultancy project this weekend. 📚 It's a good excuse to look at books covering different parts of the world together (plus a first proper dive into @jimlabisko.bsky.social's GORGEOUS new #Frog book 🐸)
Some people visit historic cabinets of curiosities for the sense of Enlightenment wonder, some for the exquisite displays of incredible specimens and artefacts. Me? It's all about the #CrapTaxidermy.
I'm guessing this little beauty is doing its best to be a leopard cat. St Peter's Abbey in #Salzburg
I'm guessing this little beauty is doing its best to be a leopard cat. St Peter's Abbey in #Salzburg
November 14, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Some people visit historic cabinets of curiosities for the sense of Enlightenment wonder, some for the exquisite displays of incredible specimens and artefacts. Me? It's all about the #CrapTaxidermy.
I'm guessing this little beauty is doing its best to be a leopard cat. St Peter's Abbey in #Salzburg
I'm guessing this little beauty is doing its best to be a leopard cat. St Peter's Abbey in #Salzburg
Reposted by Jack Ashby
Great talk by @jackdashby.bsky.social at the @linneansociety.bsky.social .
If you have not read ‘Nature’s Memory’ yet it would be a great gift for Christmas [or select end of year festival of your choice].
An entertaining and thought provoking read.
#museums
If you have not read ‘Nature’s Memory’ yet it would be a great gift for Christmas [or select end of year festival of your choice].
An entertaining and thought provoking read.
#museums
November 13, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Great talk by @jackdashby.bsky.social at the @linneansociety.bsky.social .
If you have not read ‘Nature’s Memory’ yet it would be a great gift for Christmas [or select end of year festival of your choice].
An entertaining and thought provoking read.
#museums
If you have not read ‘Nature’s Memory’ yet it would be a great gift for Christmas [or select end of year festival of your choice].
An entertaining and thought provoking read.
#museums
Natural history museum fans (and skeptics) - this is in 24 hours time: there's still time to book! 🎟️
ON THURSDAY I'll be at @linneansociety.bsky.social to chat about whether natural history #museums really represent nature, how they talk about their own [sometimes troubling] histories, & how they help save the world: the 3 themes of my book #NaturesMemory. Come!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/natures-me...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/natures-me...
Nature’s Memory | Behind the Scenes at the World’s Natural History Museums
Get an insider guide to the secrets of natural history museums, as we consider how they shape our society and relationship with nature.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Natural history museum fans (and skeptics) - this is in 24 hours time: there's still time to book! 🎟️
Up in the Tasmanian highlands, a little #wombat grazes in the driving snow, braced against the wind.
#WombatWednesday #Tasmania #MammalWatching #wombats #WildOz
#WombatWednesday #Tasmania #MammalWatching #wombats #WildOz
November 12, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Up in the Tasmanian highlands, a little #wombat grazes in the driving snow, braced against the wind.
#WombatWednesday #Tasmania #MammalWatching #wombats #WildOz
#WombatWednesday #Tasmania #MammalWatching #wombats #WildOz
What does a snowflake moray eel have in common with an adorable egg-laying, anteating Australian mammal?
They are both #echidnas! The scientific name of the eel is #Echidna. Ékhidna means "viper" in Ancient Greek, which makes sense for a snake-shaped fish, but is more confusing for the mammal.
They are both #echidnas! The scientific name of the eel is #Echidna. Ékhidna means "viper" in Ancient Greek, which makes sense for a snake-shaped fish, but is more confusing for the mammal.
November 11, 2025 at 7:31 AM
ON THURSDAY I'll be at @linneansociety.bsky.social to chat about whether natural history #museums really represent nature, how they talk about their own [sometimes troubling] histories, & how they help save the world: the 3 themes of my book #NaturesMemory. Come!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/natures-me...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/natures-me...
Nature’s Memory | Behind the Scenes at the World’s Natural History Museums
Get an insider guide to the secrets of natural history museums, as we consider how they shape our society and relationship with nature.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 12:30 PM
ON THURSDAY I'll be at @linneansociety.bsky.social to chat about whether natural history #museums really represent nature, how they talk about their own [sometimes troubling] histories, & how they help save the world: the 3 themes of my book #NaturesMemory. Come!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/natures-me...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/natures-me...
Obviously it's sad when historic #taxidermy cracks, but it can show you how these specimens were converted from flat, treated skins to stand "alive" again. Here, the crack in this rhino at @nhmwien.bsky.social reveals an inner cage of willow beams. 🦏
![A cracked rhino taxidermy surrounded by other taxidermy specimens. The crack shows tightly arranged horizontal wooden branches. [NB the horns are fakes]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:ngnzzzao6iyesvlveibvkasg/bafkreia6hh6skcqhftyxzb4hzehn7khaj5hefwvvak7n2ch3zorbqitxo4@jpeg)
November 6, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Obviously it's sad when historic #taxidermy cracks, but it can show you how these specimens were converted from flat, treated skins to stand "alive" again. Here, the crack in this rhino at @nhmwien.bsky.social reveals an inner cage of willow beams. 🦏
Reposted by Jack Ashby
Don’t you want to just scratch that little spot behind thier adorable ears‽
An absolutely stunning #thylacine at @nhmwien.bsky.social, which hasn't been posed to convey the impression that #thylacines were dangerous or threatening in the way that so many other #taxidermy specimens do. That idea was central to the false claim that they threatened #Tasmania's sheep industry.
November 5, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Don’t you want to just scratch that little spot behind thier adorable ears‽
Reposted by Jack Ashby
My gateway thylacine specimen
Aka the first one I ever saw at a museum that unlocked my love of the species
Aka the first one I ever saw at a museum that unlocked my love of the species
An absolutely stunning #thylacine at @nhmwien.bsky.social, which hasn't been posed to convey the impression that #thylacines were dangerous or threatening in the way that so many other #taxidermy specimens do. That idea was central to the false claim that they threatened #Tasmania's sheep industry.
November 5, 2025 at 7:17 PM
My gateway thylacine specimen
Aka the first one I ever saw at a museum that unlocked my love of the species
Aka the first one I ever saw at a museum that unlocked my love of the species
Only four #taxidermy bluebuck are known in #museums (Paris, Leiden, Stockholm, Vienna): the only large mammal species to become extinct in Africa in recent centuries. Bluebuck disappeared in ~1800.
(It feels weird to know I've seen them all - the only physical evidence of what bluebuck looked like)
(It feels weird to know I've seen them all - the only physical evidence of what bluebuck looked like)
November 5, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Only four #taxidermy bluebuck are known in #museums (Paris, Leiden, Stockholm, Vienna): the only large mammal species to become extinct in Africa in recent centuries. Bluebuck disappeared in ~1800.
(It feels weird to know I've seen them all - the only physical evidence of what bluebuck looked like)
(It feels weird to know I've seen them all - the only physical evidence of what bluebuck looked like)