Oxford exhibition marks 200 years since dinosaur discovery

Breaking Ground, opening at Oxford University Museum of Natural History on October 18, explores the significant 19th-century developments in palaeontology and geology.

It focuses on the contributions of Oxford couple William and Mary Buckland, a geologist and palaeontologist, and a scientific illustrator, respectively, who made some of the most historically important dinosaur discoveries.

The exhibition will feature fossil material from the first three dinosaurs to be scientifically named - Megalosaurus, Iguanodon, and Hylaeosaurus.

A Megalosaurus jaw (Image: Oxford University Museum of Natural History) In addition to these historic specimens, the exhibition will showcase more than 100 other objects, including fossils, skeletons, casts, models, lithograph prints, and watercolour paintings, documenting the fieldwork and discoveries of this period.

The timeline of the exhibition draws attention to the inequalities of the period, acknowledging the often-overlooked contributions of lower-status miners and quarriers, and women.

Among them was Mary Anning, who despite making some of the most important fossil discoveries of the century, faced financial struggles and was unable to join the Geological Society of London due to her gender.

The exhibition also offers a first look at items from the newly acquired Buckland archive, including drawings, prints, and paintings by Mary Buckland.

Some of these were used in William Buckland's description of Megalosaurus in 1824.

The illustrations helped to spread the understanding of extinct groups of animals and plants among the 19th-century scientific community, challenging literal interpretations of the Bible and revealing a much older planet.

Complementing the exhibition is a sculptural installation by British artist Angela Palmer.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History (Image: Fisher Studios) Torus of Time is a visual and tactile representation of the time uncovered by these pioneering 19th-century palaeontologists.

The 200th anniversary of the description of Megalosaurus is also commemorated with a specially commissioned poem by Simon Armitage, the poet laureate.

The poem, titled Megalosaurus, will be displayed in Breaking Ground for the first time, both in print and as a recorded reading by the poet.

Janet Stott, interim director of Oxford University Museum of Natural History, said: "As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of ‘the Oxfordshire dinosaur that started it all’ in 2024, Breaking Ground is a perfect opportunity to exhibit some iconic specimens and reflect on the history of 19th-century palaeontology.

"Using the recently acquired archive of William and Mary Buckland, the story revealed is one of wide networks of people, many of whom have historically remained unrecognised.

"The exhibition attempts to redress this balance by showing the fabric of people and places that together changed the way we understand the history of life on the planet."