The London Museum Docklands will host ‘Secrets Of The Thames: Mudlarking London’s Lost Treasures’, featuring historical artefacts like a Tudor headdress and a Viking dagger. The exhibition celebrates mudlarking’s rich history, showcasing 350 items and the contributions of modern mudlarks, with the event running from April 4, 2025, to March 1, 2026.
A new exhibition will open at the London Museum Docklands titled ‘Secrets Of The Thames: Mudlarking London’s Lost Treasures’. This exhibition showcases remarkable artefacts from the River Thames, including a Tudor headdress and a Viking-era dagger. It explores the historical significance of mudlarking and the treasures found along the Thames foreshore, celebrating the contributions of mudlarks.
Mudlarking evolved from a Victorian trade for the impoverished to a popular hobby among history lovers. Marie-Louise Plum, a mudlarking enthusiast, emphasised the Thames as a zone where various historical periods converge. Curator Kate Sumnall wants visitors to appreciate the river’s rich history and the vital role of mudlarks in archaeology.
The exhibition features over 350 finds, such as a 16th-century ivory sundial, clay pipes, and even medieval spectacles. Attendees will learn about the mudlark experience and the process of documenting these historical items. Although mudlarking began in the mid-19th century as a means for survival, it has become a beloved pastime, particularly since 2020, with many seeking permits to explore the foreshore.
The Finds Liaison Officer at the museum receives around 700 discoveries annually, with a goal of identifying 5,000 items each year, leading to the integration of significant finds into the museum’s collection. ‘Secrets Of The Thames: Mudlarking London’s Lost Treasures’ will run from April 4, 2025, to March 1, 2026.
The upcoming exhibition at the London Museum Docklands will highlight the rich history uncovered through mudlarking along the Thames. Featuring unique artefacts, the event will educate the public about the role of mudlarks in preserving London’s historical narrative. This showcases not only the art of mudlarking but also its transformation into a cherished hobby, punctuating its significance in today’s cultural landscape.
Original Source: www.mylondon.news