The John Thackray Medal: past winners

The design is based on a photograph of John Thackray
(Archives of natural history 27: [iv] frontispiece);
the medal was made by Thomas Fattorini, Birmingham, and is cased in solid hallmarked silver
(Newsletter no. 67: 11. 2000).

If you would like to nominate someone for the 2007 medal, please use the online form.

2006: To Peter Marren

for his book The New Naturalists (2nd. Edition). London: Collins. 2005). ISBN: 0007197160.

The John Thackray Medal is presented for work "demonstrating significant achievement" in the field of the history and bibliography of natural history. The 2006 medal was awarded for work completed in 2005.

The nomination process was widely advertised during 2005. Nominations were received until the end of January 2006, and considered by a committee appointed by Council and chaired by the Society's Vice President, Dr Anne Secord.

Their unanimous recommendation of Peter Marren's work reflects both the quality of his study and the importance of its subject matter. Originally published in 1995 to coincide with the 50th anniversary (and publication of the 82nd volume) of Collins 'New Naturalist' series, this revised edition is both a bibliographic and a social history. It covers the careers of the 'New Naturalist' authors, explores the conception and reception of their work and provides a unique insight into the publishing process. Peter Marren is a trained ecologist who worked as a woodland scientist, conservation officer and author-editor with the Natural Conservancy Council between 1977 and 1992.

2005: David E. Allen and Gabrielle Hatfield for their book Medicinal plants in folk tradition: an ethnobotany of Britain and Ireland. (Cambridge: Timber Press. 2004).

2004: The American Philosophical Society (Philadelphia, USA) for the exhibition: “Stuffing Birds, Pressing Plants, Shaping Knowledge: Natural History in North America, 1730-1860,” together with web site, catalogue, accompanying educational materials, and programme of school events.

2003: Dr Clemency Fisher for the exhibition “The Earl & the Pussycat” and editing its associated publication A Passion for Natural History

2002: Mr E. W. Groves, Mr D. T. Moore and the late Professor T. G. Vallance
for Nature’s Investigator. The diary of Robert Brown in Australia, 1801–1805.

2001: Professor A. Geus and Dr K. Schulze-Hagen for the exhibition on Joseph Wolf and the accompanying catalogue.

2000: The Natural History Museum, London, and Dr Tony Rice for the exhibition Voyages of Discovery and the accompanying book.