Jane Ward Tost was a trailblazer in natural sciences – until history forgot her |
In the 19th century, natural history was a field dominated by men: collectors, curators and naturalists. Names such as John Gould and John James Audubon are well known for their contributions to ornithology.
Far less familiar is Jane Catherine Tost (nee Ward, 1816–1889), a skilled taxidermist and naturalist who worked alongside leading figures of her era, and became the first woman employed in a professional role at an Australian museum.
Recent archival research has brought new attention to Tost’s life and career, revealing the extent of her contribution to 19th century natural history. While, to our knowledge, no images of her have survived, many of her works are still in museum collections.
Tost’s story is the subject of my new book, For Her Love of Birds, published by Museums Victoria.
Jane Catherine Ward was born in 1816 into a family closely connected to the London bird trade. Her father was a bird breeder, and her older brothers, like Jane, were taxidermists.
In 1825, her eldest brother, James Frederick Ward, entered a partnership with the young naturalist John Gould. Operating from Golden Square, London, the pair advertised themselves as “bird stuffers to the King”, preparing specimens for elite clients.
Evidence uncovered for this book confirms James Frederick Ward was Gould’s first business partner, a detail not recognised in previous histories. The partnership ended in 1828 after Gould was appointed to a curatorial role at the........