The Minutes and Proceedings of the Public Library Committee of 1910-11 provide us with the first reference to the collection of journals written by the naturalist and taxidermist George Sim which are held in the Local Studies collections.

The solicitors administering Sim's estate contacted the City Librarian in September 1910 to inform him that Sim's natural history journals covering the period 1862 - 1900 had been bequeathed to the Public Library.

George Sim was born in 1835 at Craigellachie in Banffshire where his father James was a general merchant who also worked on farms. George received little formal education since he was needed to help in the household and at the age of 13 he was apprenticed as a tailor in Auchterless.

He eventually became a journeyman tailor moving around Scotland, England and Ireland before returning to work with his brother in a druggists' business. However, his long interest in natural history and a desire to be a taxidermist encouraged him to undertake training in Edinburgh.

He came to Aberdeen in 1862 and set up in business in King Street where he is listed in the Aberdeen Directory as a "bird stuffer". His successful business allowed him to move to larger premises at 52 Castle Street about 1897 when he is listed as naturalist, furrier and antiquarian, living at 40 Constitution Street.

Learn more about this interesting Aberdeen character - and the confusion that surrounds his name and profession - in our interactive exhibition on the touchscreen.

Document Type

Manuscript

Document Reference

TR13_08

Keyword

George Sim

Collection

Aberdeen Local Studies

Magnifier?

Yes

Public Access

Yes

For Sale?

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