This Unrivalled Collection: The Hunterian’s First Catalogue

In 1813, Captain James Laskey (c. 1760 - 1829) published his ‘General Account of the Hunterian Museum’. The comprehensive volume described all the objects in the old Hunterian Museum, creating the first ever Hunterian catalogue and visitor guide. Laskey was an enigmatic character who served in the 21st Kirkcubright and Wigton Milita. He was also a collector, dealer and author in natural history and antiquities. As a donor to The Hunterian, Laskey was seen as supporter and contributor, as well as a commentator.

This Unrivalled Collection celebrates Laskey’s great endeavour and highlights the long history of The Hunterian and the breadth of its collections. The exhibition brings together various objects from across the collections which were displayed together in the old Hunterian Museum, including the cast of the Rosetta Stone, a Renaissance shield, insect cabinets, works of art and coins and medals.