When Thomas Cheeseman arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1853 at the age of eight, the world outside knew little of this country’s people, plants, animals and environment. Within weeks, he began a lifelong love of collecting and classifying, and by his early twenties he was making waves in colonial scientific circles.

Appointed the director of the Auckland Museum when it was not much more than a shed of curiosities, by sheer force of dedication he developed it into one of New Zealand’s leading museums and scientific institutions. Along the way he cultivated relationships with the leading scientists of the day, including Charles Darwin and directors of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, William and Joseph Hooker. And he collected many thousands of specimens and objects, making a vital contribution to our understanding of New Zealand’s natural history.

This handsome, richly illustrated book tells both his story and the story of the fine museum he founded.

Author Biography

Andrew McKay holds a PhD in art history from the University of Auckland. His doctoral thesis is the subject of this book. In addition to postgraduate degrees in museums and cultural heritage, library science and history, Andrew was formerly a Professional Teaching Fellow in the University of Auckland’s art history department. His academic work reflects a deep engagement with the intersections of science, heritage and museum curation.

Richard Wolfe holds a BFA from the Elam School of Fine Arts and a PhD in art history from the University of Auckland. He began his museum career as assistant preparator at Canterbury Museum in 1973, and from 1978 to 1997 was Curator of Display at Auckland War Memorial Museum. Since 1987, he has written or co-authored over 40 books covering aspects of New Zealand art, natural and social history, museology and popular culture, and including the children’s book Midnight at the Museum (1997), inspired by his time at the Auckland Museum and illustrated by his wife, artist Pamela Wolfe. He is an Associate Emeritus of the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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