Government tries to help keep ornithologist's drawings in the UK

British cultural groups have yet another rare collection within their grasp — and the time to raise money to purchase it.

The Guardian reports that the UK government has put an export ban on original works by the 19th-century ornithologist John Gould, best known for writing The Birds of Australia and for influencing Charles Darwin.

The ban lasts until September 24, to allow time for cultural groups to secure funding, and could be extended further if there appears to be a serious candidate that needs more time.

Among the collection: two albums titled Gould’s Original Drawings Vols I and II, valued at £1,287,500 (over $1,776,700).

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