A new and free, temporary exhibition at Chelmsford Museum from 6 June until 19 July explores the world and exotic collections of Alfred Russel Wallace.

Wallace was a contemporary and colleague of Charles Darwin, and is most well-known for arriving at the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection, independently of Darwin. He died in 1913.

Alfred Russel Wallace grew up in Hertford before travelling extensively, exploring and mapping previously uncharted parts of the Amazon and becoming the world authority on the flora and fauna of Malaysia and Indonesia.

Accompanied by a wealth of colourful specimens, many of which were collected by Wallace himself, this exhibition brings together a diverse range of plants and animals held by museums and institutions around the country and also examines the Victorian love of taxidermy which funded Wallace’s expeditions.

Sir David Attenborough has said of Wallace, “There is no more admirable character in the history of science”.

Cabinet Member for Parks and Leisure, Councillor Ray Ride said: “The exhibition will be a stunning visual feast. Specimens include a black swan, a hornbill, magnificent birds of paradise and a flying fish, as well as equipment from New Guinea such as bows and arrows, and a fishing spear.

"We are grateful to Hertford Museum and the Arts Council for preparing and funding this exhibition, and for bringing it to Chelmsford. “

The exhibition also includes activities for children, including designing a bird of paradise, and finding Wallace in the rainforest.

Chelmsford Museum is open every day except for Fridays. Admission is free. Visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums for further details.