Dear Colleagues,
This may seem like an odd request but do you have a crocodile skull from the
Oligocene in your collection? If so, would you like it either CT scanned or
scanned with photogrammetry (at no cost to you) so that digital 3D model could
be made?
I am working on a project for the National Trust (at Biddulph Grange) and we
need to have a replica fossil crocodile skull from the Oligocene, preferably
from a site known about by 1862. I'll try to keep the explanation short but in
essence: In 1862, just 3 years after Darwin published On The Origin Of
Species, a chap called Bateman opened a Geology Gallery at Biddulph Grange in
Staffordshire with 75 fossil specimens arranged on a wall in roughly
stratigraphical order, but divided into the 6 days of creation with
graptolites and corals etc in Day One and mammal skulls in Day Six, with
various other fossils in between. Only 10 of the original fossils remain and I
am tasked with providing replicas of suitable specimens for the remaining 65
holes in the wall. The building is listed so I can't change the sizes or
shapes of the holes so the fossil in each case has to be from the right
geological age, from a site that was known about in 1862, and has to fit the
hole! Therefore I am borrowing suitable specimens from museums and I am
cleaning them, conserving them as required, and then making a mould so that I
can produce a painted cast suitable for the installation in the gallery.
However, I am unlikely to find an Oligocene crocodile skull of exactly the
right size so if I scan it (CT or photogrammetry) I can reduce or enlarge it
to the size as required before 3D printing a suitable replica. I
enclose a photo of the hole – I will have to strategically break the replica
and repair it offset to make it fit as the hole is a bit wonky.
So, is there an appropriate specimen you would like CT scanned (I assume that
would be useful to you?). All the specimens I have on loan from museums are of
course fully insured when with me here at home or when in transit with me, on
my own specialist conservation insurance. However, if there is a problem with
loaning a specimen I could visit you and undertake photogrammetry instead.
If you want to read a little about the project you can do so here:
http://www.natural-history-conservation.com/BiddulphGrange.htm
Please respond to me directly, off the GCG email list. I look forward to
hearing from you.
Thank you. With best wishes, Nigel.
Nigel R. Larkin BA MSc FRGS
- Freelance conservator, preparator and curator at Natural-History-
Conservation.com
- Affiliated Researcher, Cambridge University Museum of Zoology.
- Associate Member of the Ancient Human Occupation of Britain Project and the
Pathways to Ancient Britain Project.
Website: http://www.natural-history-conservation.com
Publications: http://norfolk.academia.edu/NigelLarkin
Publications: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nigel_Larkin
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Natural-History-
Conservation/119346798095177
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrIchthyosaurus
Telephone: 07973 869613
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