Buxton mermaid in Fantastic Beasts exhibition at National History Museum

Mermaid artefact from Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.

The artefact, which is usually on display at the town’s museum and art gallery, will join other beasts, specimens and historic objects from the Natural History Museum's world-leading scientific collections.

In the 18th century, travellers to the Far East purchased hoax mermaids made by fishermen from wood, wire and fish tails, although by the time the mermaids arrived in Britain, they were named monkey-fish. The Buxton mermaid, which has real human hair and carved bone teeth, may have been made in Africa.

The mermaid was owned by a doctor who worked in Africa. It was displayed at the Wellcome Collection in London, then at the city’s Horniman Museum before being transferred to Derbyshire.

Barry Lewis, leader of Derbyshire County Council which manages the museum, said: “Derbyshire County Councillor Barry Lewis, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture and Tourism, said: “It’s not often that regional museums are asked to share their wonderful collections with the huge and diverse audiences that the national London museums attract, so Buxton Museum is delighted that the mermaid will be waving a Derbyshire flag at this prestigious location.”

The new exhibition at the Natural History Museum (NHM) will show how the wonders of the natural world have inspired myths, legends and magical creatures.

Visitors will see digital installations and wizarding world elements from the Fantastic Beasts film series, adapted from the works of JK Rowling.

There will be animals including a tiger and a Galápagos marine iguana alongside wizarding world specimens such as an Erumpent horn and the dragon skull from Professor Lupin's classroom.

The NHM hopes that visitors will be inspired by the Fantastic Beasts film character Newt Scamander, who demonstrates his commitment to the beasts of the wizarding world, to protect our planet.

Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature opens at the NHM in South Kensington, London on May 22 and runs until January 2021.