Unique Find at the Natural History Museum: Time-Frozen Lichen-Covered Fingerpost, Now a Permanent Exhibit
In a unique and captivating addition to its collection, the Natural History Museum in London has acquired a rare lichen-covered fingerpost from Exmoor National Park Authority. This signpost, milled from oak or chestnut grown in Exmoor woodlands, is a testament to the region's rich biodiversity and a stunning example of manmade items reclaimed by nature.
The signpost, adorned with 12 different species of lichens, was spared from Exmoor when it was reaching the end of its life to share its beauty with the public at the museum. It is a lovely example of how nature can transform even the most mundane human creations into something truly remarkable.
The donated signpost now resides in the first new permanent gallery to open at the museum in a decade - 'Fixing Our Broken Planet'. This gallery, part-funded with a £1.64 million grant from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), showcases research from the museum's scientists, aiming to educate, challenge, and entertain the public on the natural world.
The signpost is located amidst exhibits such as a Sumatran rhino, whale earwax, and ancient cow skulls, adding a touch of the British countryside to the diverse collection. The lichens on the sign indicate high air quality on Exmoor due to low pollution and functioning woodland ecosystems. The new signpost is hoped to attract more lichen species over the years to come.
Annunciata Elwes, a writer and editor for the article's publication, played a significant role in bringing this unique artifact to London. Ms. Elwes, who currently resides in Hampshire with her family and is also a director of TIN MAN ART, a contemporary art gallery, grew up in Lancashire and has worked for various publications, including The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and our platform's publisher.
In her past, Ms. Elwes gave tours of 17th-century Milton Manor, Oxfordshire, and co-founded a literary, art, and music festival. Notably, Johnny Flynn headlined the festival she co-founded. Her background in property journalism, historical biography, and literary festivals has undoubtedly contributed to her passion for preserving and showcasing unique pieces of history such as the lichen-covered fingerpost.
For those interested in learning more about the exhibits and the museum, the Natural History Museum's website provides further information. Additionally, the article mentions a newsletter that offers insights on exquisite houses, the beauty of nature, and tips for enhancing life.
The third attempt to transport the West Country fingerpost to the Natural History Museum in South Kensington was successful, ending a series of unfortunate incidents that saw the first sign perish immediately upon leaving Exmoor and the second sign stolen en route. This rare lichen-covered fingerpost now stands as a symbol of the rich history and natural beauty of Exmoor, and a testament to the efforts of individuals like Annunciata Elwes in preserving and sharing such treasures with the public.
The donated lichen-covered signpost, an exquisite example of nature transforming manmade items, is displayed in the 'Fixing Our Broken Planet' gallery at the Natural History Museum, situated among a diverse collection that includes environmental-science exhibits like a Sumatran rhino and ancient cow skulls. This signpost, adorned with 12 different species of lichens, indicates the high air quality on Exmoor and serves as a home-and-garden item showcasing the region's rich biodiversity, attracting more lichen species over time.
