(Above) © Chrissie Morgan
The Manchester Museum will be marking the 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species with a day of hands-on activities today (November 21 2009).
Celebrating this landmark in evolution, The Manchester Museum is hosting a variety of events including Evolution Revolution Big Saturday on November 21, and On the Origin of Species, a special talk commemorating the anniversary on November 24.
Evolution Revolution will explain why the iconic scientist's theory of evolution by natural selection was one of the most important and controversial ideas of all time, coinciding with the Darwin-based Evolution of a Scientist exhibition, which is a quarter of the way through a year-long run at the Museum.
"We wanted to make Darwin's story accessible for everyone," says Henry McGhie, Head of Natural Sciences at the Museum.
"Among the many gems in the exhibition is the Origin of Species. It looks so simple, yet its contents are still hotly contested today. Through our events we will continue the interesting discussions around Darwin's theory and ideas."
Letters written by Darwin at sea feature in the show. © The Manchester Museum
Darwin's masterpiece was issued in a 1250-copy run in 1859, lacking illustrations and bound in green cloth. An original first edition is on display in the show, accompanied by illustrations by Chrissie Morgan depicting the public reaction to the book.
"Darwin worked for more than 20 years on the Origin of Species," points out Morgan.
"Although its publication shows Darwin at the height of his career, his ideas were formed over a lifetime of studying, exploring and collecting. Through the graphic-novel illustrations I have attempted to recreate the simplicity of Darwin's work and research.
"He was such a gentle man who was passionate about his work. I wanted to bring out his human side, to show the real Charles Darwin, getting away from traditional views of him as the man with the beard."
On the Origin of Species, a talk by Dr Robert Callow, will take place at the Museum on the official anniversary of the publication on Tuesday.
Evolution Revolution runs 11am-4pm. On the Origin of Species: 150th Anniversary Celebration takes place on Tuesday (November 24), 1pm-2pm. Admission free, call 0161 275 2648.
