The London Museum Docklands will debut an exhibition on mudlarking, showcasing over 350 historical artefacts from the River Thames. The exhibition runs from April 4, 2025, to March 1, 2026, highlighting the contributions of mudlarks to understanding London’s history.
A new mudlarking exhibition, “Secrets Of The Thames: Mudlarking London’s Lost Treasures,” is set to open at the London Museum Docklands. This showcase features historical artefacts discovered in the River Thames, including a Tudor headdress and a Viking dagger. The exhibition opens on Friday and highlights the significance of mudlarking in uncovering human history.
Mudlarking has evolved from a Victorian trade among the poor into a popular hobby for history enthusiasts. The exhibition showcases over 350 objects sourced from the Thames foreshore, such as a 16th-century ivory sundial, medieval spectacles, clay pipes, and 18th-century false teeth. Visitors will gain insight into how mudlarks conduct their research and record their findings.
Marie-Louise Plum, a mudlarking enthusiast, remarked on the Thames as a “liminal zone” where the past and present converge. The exhibition reflects over 50 years of mudlarking and includes notable items like the Waterloo helmet and the Battersea shield, both dating back to the Victorian era.
Curator Kate Sumnall emphasised the Thames’s significance as a custodian of London’s secrets and the essential roles mudlarks play in archaeology. She aims for visitors to leave with a sense of wonder about exploring London’s past.
Mudlarking records date back to the mid-1800s when impoverished communities scavenged the Thames foreshore. Nowadays, licensed mudlarks conduct searches for preserved treasures at low tide, and there has been a rise in licensing applications since 2020. The London Museum’s Finds Liaison Officer documents around 700 finds each year and identifies roughly 5,000.
The exhibition at the London Museum Docklands showcases the rich history uncovered through mudlarking along the Thames. With over 350 artifacts displayed, it highlights both the personal stories of mudlarks and the significance of their contributions to archaeology. As mudlarking gains popularity, more individuals are exploring London’s history through this unique lens.
Original Source: www.indy100.com