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1853 First Dinosaur models Crystal Palace
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1853 First Dinosaur models Crystal Palace
1853 The Illustrated London News, December 31st, page 600. " The Extinct Animals Model-Room, at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham" by P.H. Delamotte. Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins made the first full size reconstructions of extinct animals to grace the geological gardens of the Crystal Palace. His work was based primarily on the advice of Professor Richard Owen, and informed by the work of Gideon Mantell, Francis Buckland, Baron Cuvier, Lyell and others. Hawkins worked on the project for three years at an estimated cost of £ 13, 729 (half a million in todays terms). The iguanodon (central facing) still maintains the wrongly ascribed nose horn of Mantell (actually a thumb spike). It was, as Hawkins notes, " the largest (model) of which there is any record of a casting being made". The models ushered in the general publics fascination with dinosaurs and survive in Sydenham to the present day
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Media ID 6318673
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
Antediluvian Black And White Crystal Palace Dinosaur Education Extinct Iguanodon Lyell Mantell Owen Pre Historic Reconstruction Restoration Sydenham Labyrinthodont Mono Chrome
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the year 1853, when the Crystal Palace in Sydenham became home to the first-ever dinosaur models. Created by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, these life-sized reconstructions of extinct animals were a marvel of their time. Guided by Professor Richard Owen's expertise and drawing inspiration from renowned scientists like Gideon Mantell, Francis Buckland, Baron Cuvier, and Lyell, Hawkins dedicated three years to this ambitious project. The centerpiece of this remarkable display is the iguanodon model, positioned front and center with its iconic but inaccurately depicted nose horn - actually a thumb spike according to Mantell's research. Notably, it stands as "the largest (model) of which there is any record of a casting being made" as noted by Hawkins himself. These meticulously crafted models sparked an unprecedented fascination among the general public for dinosaurs. They not only served as educational tools but also ignited imaginations about our planet's prehistoric past. Even today, these extraordinary creations continue to captivate visitors at Sydenham's Crystal Palace. Paul D. Stewart skillfully captures this historic moment in his monochrome illustration. The attention to detail brings forth an atmosphere of restoration and reconstruction that transports viewers back in time. This print serves as a testament to both scientific achievement and artistic brilliance while reminding us how far we have come in understanding Earth's ancient inhabitants.
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