Dautzenberg collection photo exhibition

The Belgian industrialist Philippe Dautzenberg (1849 - 1935) made his fortune in France, after which he contributed actively to conchology as a scientist and collector. His collection of shells is not only exceptionally extensive – 4.5 million specimens – it is also of an exceptional quality. In 1929 he decided that after his death his life’s work should be donated to the Museum.

This invaluable collection of shells can be studied by scientists, but cannot be viewed by the public. French photographer Emmanuel Berry was given the opportunity to photograph the shells at some length, and the result has provided us with a unique glimpse behind the scenes of the collections. The Museum has bought 10 of these artistic photos, and visitors can now admire them as they are on permanent display on the footbridge at the entrance to the Evolution Gallery.

The publishing group, Le temps qu’il fait, has published a work entitled ‘Coques, coquilles, coquillages’ that presents 50 of Berry's photographs of the collection, with accompanying texts by Marie Guillot (translated into English and Dutch). The book will soon be available from the Museum shop and other booksellers.