A Countess collection

A fine collection of minerals assembled from around the world by the Countess of Powis has gone on show at the Powysland Museum, Welshpool.

 

The exhibition, which has just ended its run at National Museum Cardiff, is part of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales’ ongoing commitment to making the national collections as widely available as possible.

 

Lady Henrietta Antonia, daughter of Henry Herbert, 1st Earl of Powis, married Lord Clive (later Lord Powis) in 1784. The exhibition describes, for the first time, the history of this forgotten collection which, having previously been housed at Powis Castle, was donated to Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum of Wales - by the Earl of Powis in 1929.

 

At that time it was uncertain who had created the collection but the recent rediscovery of Lady Henrietta’s original handwritten catalogues, dated 1817, have revealed the true significance of the collection.

 

Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales holds one of the finest mineral collections in the United Kingdom comprising in excess of 30,000 specimens. The Geology Department has a small team of mineral experts who work on the characterization of the minerals and mineral deposits of Wales, comparing them with examples from around the world.

 

Dr Richards Bevins, Keeper of Geology, said, “We are delighted to be sharing the treasures we hold for the nation with Powysland Museum. The exhibition proved to be very popular at National Museum Cardiff and this is an ideal opportunity for the people of mid Wales to appreciate these beautiful minerals.

 

“The recently rediscovered catalogues not only provide a fascinating insight into how she acquired the minerals, the people the Countess of Powis met and the places she travelled, as well as demonstrating how organised she was, with each specimen individually numbered and described. “

The museum is open Weekdays (except Wednesday): 11am-1pm and 2-5pm; Saturdays: 11am – 2pm.

 

For further details please contact the curator Eva Bredsdorff on 01938 554656 or e-mail powysland@powys.gov.uk