This is the most comprehensive presentation of the George Loudon collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century scientific artefacts to date. Today, this ever-growing collection numbers nearly 300 pieces, including teaching models, anatomical specimens, taxidermy, books, prints and drawings. These objects, largely scientific and exquisitely made, are crafted from glass, wax, minerals, papier-mâché, fabric, ivory and other materials. Here they are presented in the style of a 16th- or 17th-century cabinet against the fitting backdrop of the Palazzo Grimani – the Grimani family were passionate collectors who assembled the first collection of ancient art in Venice –,its rooms superbly captured by renowned photographer Massimo Listri, alongside paintings by the likes of Tintoretto, Titian and Veronese, as well as sculptures, Venetian enamels and maiolica. Leading scholars from museums in Italy, Austria (Vienna's MAK Museum of Applied Arts) and other countries provide expert commentary on the works and the phenomenon of the wunderkammer or cabinet of wonders.

ISBN: 978-1-906257-45-3 (English edition)

ISBN: 978-1-906257-46-0 (Italian edition)

This grand assemblage of exotic finery is, in fact, a fantasy, brought together by the curator Thierry Morel in A Cabinet of Wonders – an evocation of the cabinets of curiosities, or wunderkammer, that first became popular in the 16th century. Then they were meant to demonstrate the knowledge, sophistication and taste of their collectors and, of course, dazzle the specially invited visitor. Now, Morel’s mélange, which fills three more rooms with precious objects, also provides a passage to another quite different collection – a real one  – that belongs to George Loudon, a Dutch financier who now lives in London. (Financial Times)