EXHIBITIONS: Great White Bear

Location: Open: Temporary This exhibition is now closed.

Sat 21 Oct 2006 – Sun 25 March 2007

The polar bear has endured for centuries as both wonder of nature and cultural icon.  Explore our fascination with this magnificent creature through 32 intriguing photographs. Taken as part of the project nanoq: flat out and bluesome, artists Bryndis Snaebjornsdottir and Mark Wilson tracked down every taxidermied polar bear in a UK collection, from stately homes to museum stores.  Come face to face with an actual polar bear, loaned especially for the exhibition, and see Inuit objects from the Horniman collections not on display for more than a decade.

The Horniman Museum is currently appealing to anyone who can help locate the Horniman polar bear (pictured). The polar bear was part of the original 1901 display (acquired at the 1886 Colonial and Indian Exhibition in South Kensington).

Recently uncovered documents confirmed the polar bear was sold in 1948 to a Mr T Allen, a dealer in New Cross. Museum staff are keen to hear from descendants or friends who may know of the fate or current whereabouts of the polar bear.

If you have any information, please contact us on 020 8699 1872.  For the Press Office please call 020 8291 8166.

Balcony Gallery   Free admission