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1854 Megalosaurus reconstruction Hawkins
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1854 Megalosaurus reconstruction Hawkins
1854 Megalosaurus model by Waterhouse Hawkins. Hawkins attempted to scientifically reconstruct dinosaurs for the Crystal Palace Geological Gardens at Sydenham 1852-1855. He was helped by Richard Owen, the man who named the group. At this time there were few remains, so the endeavor was speculative. This miniature model made by Hawkins for sale in the UK by Tennant (1854) and US by Ward (1866) was one example. Megalosaurus was the first dinosaur described by Buckland in 1824. Owen supposed the giant reptiles appearance was between a crocodile and a pachyderm. Though innacurate, the reconstruction fired the publics imagination. It would be only much later that Megalosaurs would appear as the nimble bipedal predator we know today
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Media ID 6318909
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Buckland Crystal Palace Cuvier Dinosaur Discovery Fossil Mantell Megalosaurus Owen Reconstruction Restoration Sydenham Victorian
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This print showcases the 1854 Megalosaurus reconstruction model by Waterhouse Hawkins, a remarkable attempt to scientifically reconstruct dinosaurs for the Crystal Palace Geological Gardens at Sydenham between 1852 and 1855. Assisted by Richard Owen, who coined the term "dinosaur". Hawkins embarked on this speculative endeavor when only a few remains were available. The miniature model depicted in this photograph was created by Hawkins himself and made available for sale in both the UK by Tennant in 1854 and later in the US by Ward in 1866. Megalosaurus, first described by Buckland in 1824, had its appearance imagined as a hybrid between a crocodile and a pachyderm according to Owen's supposition. Although inaccurate compared to our current understanding of these creatures, this reconstruction ignited the public's imagination during Victorian times. It would take many years before Megalosaurs would be recognized as nimble bipedal predators similar to what we know today. This historical artifact not only represents an important milestone in paleontological discovery but also serves as a testament to the ingenuity of scientists like Cuvier, Mantell, Buckland, Owen, and artists like Waterhouse Hawkins who strived to bring prehistoric creatures back to life through restoration and reconstruction. Paul D. Stewart's photograph beautifully captures this significant piece of history from Crystal Palace without mentioning any commercial use or affiliation with any company.
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