The gallery showcases some of the earliest donations made to the museum, offering a glimpse into the Victorian fascination with the natural world.

Explore the rich array of taxidermy, minerals, rocks, and fossils, alongside archival records that tell the stories behind the objects. From striking geological specimens to birds preserved in lifelike detail, Origins of Collecting reveals how curiosity, science, and community spirit came together to form the foundation of museum culture in Tunbridge Wells.