A Natural History of Nest Building by artist Andy Holden showing at Tolson Museum
A film installation about bird nest building is currently showing at Tolson Museum to coincide with the centenary of the museum’s popular Bird Room.
A Natural History of Nest Building is a three screen video installation featuring artist Andy Holden discussing various bird nests with his father, Peter. They explore the types of nests, where birds build them, and what materials they use. Their conversation touches on how birds inherit traits and learn behaviours, comparing nest building to the process of creating art. The dialogue includes both humour and thoughtful insights about creativity and parent-child relationships.
Tolson ‘Bird Room’ was designed in 1925 by Seth Lister Mosley (1848–1929), the former curator of the Tolson Museum and an ornithologist. It will celebrate its centenary in 2025 and includes birds and nests featured in the film installation.
The film aims to enhance our understanding of the relationship between humans and nest-building techniques, while also highlighting conservation concerns, as both nest-building and bird populations continue to decline worldwide due to climate change.
Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council and Cabinet Member for Culture said:
“The Tolson Museum, with its fascinating Bird Room, is the perfect place to showcase “A Natural History of Nest Building.”
“Even if we don’t always notice them, birds are a part of our everyday lives – whether hearing the dawn chorus at sunrise, feeding garden birds, or waving away seagulls from our chips at the seaside; they are always nearby. This film, along with the Bird Room, provides the opportunity to pause and take a closer look at how we understand our relationship with birds and their nests – something that Seth Lister Mosley was interested in a hundred years ago. I’m delighted that residents can enjoy this free and accessible exhibition right on their doorstep.”
Coordinated by Artangel, A Natural History of Nest Building has been exhibited at prestigious galleries across the UK such as The Tate and Turner Contemporary, and it has received praise for its innovative approach.
Tolson Museum, Ravensknowle Park, Wakefield Road, Moldgreen, Huddersfield HD5 8DJ. Open till Saturday 31 Aug 2025, Tuesday to Thursday 11am to 5pm , Saturday and Sunday 12noon to 5pm.