William was, and is today, noted for the extraordinary range of his collections. His acceptance as member of the Royal Society, founded by Charles 11 to promote science, depended on Constable’s collection and study of plants and herbs. His extensive cataloguing rested on Linnean principles, which were innovative in the mid 1770s. Other collections reveal his interest in what were new machines. His collection of fossils, more random than the herb and plant records, are reflective of his wide interests. His Cabinet of Curiosities is one of the remarkable exhibits at Burton Constable Hall today.
Philippa Wood, curator at Burton Constable Hall, will explore the wonderful world of William Constable, a true gentleman of the Georgian Enlightenment, whose interests, employments and travel forever altered the appearance of this small corner of East Yorkshire. Using contemporary images and documents, she will draw out William’s character, giving an insight into the mindset, and scientific and intellectual pursuits of this most enterprising of men.