Planet’s lost species captured in fascinating exhibition at Gallery Oldham

THE STORIES of our planet’s lost and fading species are brought to life in a new photography exhibition at Gallery Oldham.

‘After Life’, by photographer Sean Dooley, opens on Saturday, November 14 and features poignant and surprising portraits of extinct and endangered animals preserved in museums and private collections across the country.

Exploring the consequences of our actions in taking species for granted, this series of striking images includes portraits of a baby polar bear, the extinct passenger pigeon and the critically endangered ruffed lemur.

Sean Dooley said: “As a boy I was entranced by nature, and through taxidermy collections I could see animals from places I’d likely never visit, and extinct creatures no one would ever have the chance to see again.

“These objects are sometimes the last remnants of our planet’s lost and fading species, and they continue to unlock my boyhood curiosity.

“Though often beautiful, they’re an extremely poor substitute for having these animals live in the wild.

“I visited them to satisfy my own interest, and documented them so that other people could share in their wonder.”

The exhibition is complimented by specimens of extinct and endangered species from Gallery Oldham’s extensive taxidermy collection, including Great Bustards which have been extinct in the UK since 1832, the endangered Capercaillie and Black-tailed Godwit.

There are also three canvasses depicting scaled-up eggs of endangered bird species by wildlife illustrator Mark Lightowler who uses Gallery Oldham’s specimens as inspiration for his work.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives, said: “Gallery Oldham’s natural history collection is one of the best in the region and it’s great to see it will be on display alongside Sean’s work.” 

After Life features specimens from: Bell Pettigrew Museum in St Andrews, The D’Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum in Dundee, Grant Museum of Zoology at University College London, The Horniman Museum and Gardens in London and The Hunterian Museum in Glasgow.