Highlights

The museum is best known for the Tyree Studio Collection (1882-1947) of approximately 105,000 images of studio portraits, civic occasions and scenic views. This collection has been in the care of the museum since 1974 and also includes negatives, from other photographers, bought by the Tyree Studio. For more information visit: http://www.nelsonmuseum.co.nz/photographic/photography.htm

Mutton-chops, sideburns, handle-bar moustaches, big bushy beards, once upon a time every man sported some kind of fuzz on his face, it was a matter of manly pride. During the Victorian period, starting about 1850, suddenly everyone was carefully cultivating one dramatic style or another. The Victorian era had taken over from French Regency which was famous for its obsession with men’s wigs, heels and make-up, replacing all these with sombre clothes and a full face of hair. We have put together a collection of photographic records highlighting some fine examples of the Victorian facial hair fashion.

This unique Book Collection dates from 1773 to the early 1920s and relates to natural history, discovery and exploration of the Pacific and provides the nucleus of the research library collection. The collection is part of the larger Marsden Collection held by the museum for more information go to: http://www.nelsonmuseum.co.nz/general/collections.htm