London Museum Docklands presents “Secrets Of The Thames: Mudlarking London’s Lost Treasures.” This exhibition highlights historical finds from the Thames, features over 350 objects including rare items, and explores the role of mudlarks in uncovering London’s history. It runs from April 4, 2025, to March 1, 2026.
A new mudlarking exhibition, “Secrets Of The Thames: Mudlarking London’s Lost Treasures,” opens at London Museum Docklands. This event showcases historical objects excavated from the River Thames, including a Tudor headdress and a Viking dagger. It highlights how mudlarks contribute to illuminating London’s rich history, revealing thousands of years of human activity along the foreshore.
Marie-Louise Plum, a mudlarking enthusiast, remarked on the Thames as a historical convergence point. The exhibition displays items spanning over 50 years, featuring notable finds like the Waterloo helmet and the Battersea shield.
Curator Kate Sumnall emphasised the Thames’s importance in preserving London’s secrets and recognised the invaluable role of mudlarks in archaeology. She expressed her desire for visitors to leave with a sense of wonder about exploring London’s history.
The exhibition features over 350 objects, including a 16th-century ivory sundial, clay pipes, 18th-century false teeth, and medieval spectacles. Attendees will also have opportunities to learn from mudlarks about the recording and research processes involved in their findings.
Historically, mudlarking began in the mid-1800s, as the impoverished sought useful items from the Thames. Currently, licensed mudlarks unearth preserved treasures at low tide. The Port of London Authority has seen increased licensing applications, demonstrating a growing interest in the hobby since 2020.
“Secrets Of The Thames: Mudlarking London’s Lost Treasures” will be open to the public from April 4, 2025, until March 1, 2026.
The upcoming mudlarking exhibition at London Museum Docklands offers insights into both historical finds from the River Thames and the role of mudlarks in revealing London’s past. Showcasing over 350 unique objects, it aims to engage and educate visitors about the art of mudlarking and its significance to archaeological research. This exhibition marks a celebration of history and community engagement with the Thames.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk