Pacific: Oceans of Islands

Pacific: Ocean of Islands is the new summer exhibition opening at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI) on 21 April. Drawing on the strengths of the BRLSI Collections in relation to the Pacific region, the theme will be explored in four separate themes, linked by the ocean itself.

• The material culture of the indigenous Island peoples of the Pacific, including arrows, drums, jewellery and beaded clothing.
• The history and significance of the Wallace line, an invisible boundary (named after 19th century British naturalist Alfred Wallace) which separates the distinctive ecozones of Asia and Australasia – with tigers, barbets and woodpeckers on one side, for example, and marsupials, honeyeaters and cockatoos on the other.
• The diversity of marine life shown by some of the beautiful shells donated by nineteenth century naturalist-collectors.
• The ocean under threat, as pollution and climate change create serious man-made damage to Pacific ecosystems and communities.

In addition to the specimens and artefacts from the BRLSI Collection there will be exhibition prints from four renowned international photo journalists – Chris Jordan, Ciril Jazbec, Jonas Gratzer, and Remi Chauvin – highlighting the impact of environmental change on the wildlife and peoples of the Pacific.

When: 21 April – 22 September 2018, 10am – 4pm

Where: BRLSI

Price: Free

Visit: brlsi.org