Natural History Dioramas

Few would argue that the highest standard in the creation of natural history dioramas was achieved by James Perry Wilson and Ralph Morrill.

When you stand in front of them, you feel like you are looking into miles of landscape. But just beyond the animals and faux foreground, you are looking at a vertical painting, which recreates in painstaking detail the atmosphere, flora, and geology of the native and natural environment of the species exhibited.

Story Preservation was at Yale University in early 2013 recording Ruth Morrill, widow of Ralph Morrill, along with Peabody Museum preparator, Michael Anderson. While Michael led the interview session, his voice is not heard in the audio as it was Ruth who was both present and participated in the creation of these magnificent works of art and science.

Ruth worked with her husband and James Perry Wilson and shared both her memories as well as knowledge of this fascinating art.

James Perry Wilson, Natural History Dioramas

by James Perry Wilson

LINKS OF INTEREST

American Museum of Natural History: Background Paintings in the Dioramas

American Museum of Natural History: Artists’ Techniques Rendered Habitat Dioramas Mesmerizingly Real

Understanding the Grid System for Painting Dioramas by Ruth Morrill

Return to All Earth & Environmental Pages >

0:31

01. Intro to Recording

James Perry Wilson
4:10

02. Women in Forestry and Wildlife, 1940s

James Perry Wilson
3:08

03. Meeting Ralph Morrill and James Perry Wilson

James Perry Wilson
3:50

04. The Grid System For Painting

James Perry Wilson