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British Museum (Natural History) Nepal Expedition 1961-1962

A fascinating insight into the ‘British Museum (Natural History) Expedition to East Nepal 1961-1962’ capturing the lives of researchers and locals alike in this stunning setting.

Documentary 1962 56 mins Silent

Overview

A vibrant and colourful film documenting activities of an expedition travelling across East Nepal. Interspersed with shots of the mountainous Nepalese landscape, its native peoples and practices are recorded in exquisite detail. The film also shows scientists at work in the field, collecting and analysing various samples and specimens. The expedition was funded by the British Museum (Natural History), and headed by John Gordon Sheals.

John Gordon Sheals (zoologist) who led this expedition, would go on to become the Keeper of Zoology at the Natural History Museum from 1971-1985. The team also included W.G. Inglis (zoologist), R.L. Coe (entomologist), A.H. Norkett (botanist), K.H. Hyatt (zoologist), T. Le. M. Spring Smyth (administrative officer) and B.P. Sharma (liaison officer).The main aim of the expedition was the collection of botanical, entomological and zoological material from the Eastern part of the Nepal Himalaya. Financial support came from a variety of sources, which included the Mount Everest Foundation. A number of meteorological instruments were loaned by the Royal Geographical Society.