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Home , Belemnotheutis, Branscombe, Steve Etches, The Etches Collection

Stories from deep time A unique opportunity to found a museum of world significance

THE ETCHES COLLECTION

MUSEUM OF MARINE LIFE

The small village that has given its name to a geological age

“A World Heritage Site is an extremely precious but well- earned distinction for the . It is indeed of worldwide importance and a place of great fascination to anyone interested in the history of life on this planet…let us hope…we do our best to improve the ways by which we enable visitors to understand its significance.”

SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH

KIMMERIDGE BAY PHOTO: GUY EDWARDES

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Kimmeridge. A unique relationship to the

The Jurassic Coast, ’s only World Heritage Site, is internationally renowned for the abundance of on its shores. Along this famous coastline, lies the Dorset village of Kimmeridge which has given its name to the clay formation that contains a unique range of fossils from the late Jurassic period.

The Jurassic Coast covers a distance of 95 miles with rocks recording 185 million years of the Earth’s history. Kimmeridge is at the heart of this significant location and has the greatest succession of rocks exposed in the world. World Heritage status was given to this site due to the quality of its varied geology and resulting palaeontology spanning the entire , Jurassic and periods.

Amazing stories can be found in the cliffs and rocks and out beneath the seas in the Kimmeridgian shale of sediments and clays that were formed 150 million years ago. A prehistoric time when , big and small flying reptiles ruled the skies and the first feathered birds began to appear. On land, giant plant eating sauropods populated the terrain, grazing on the many of tropical ferns and early conifers.

Taunton Shaftesbury Ilchester THE VILLAGE OF KIMMERIDGE IN DORSET PHOTOS: AMBER WOODWARD Wellington

Sherborne Sturminster Holly Bush Park Fordingbridge M5 Ilminster Yeovil Newton Tiverton Shillingstone Crewkerne Chard Blandford DORSET Forum Ringwood Wimborne Cattistock Minster Bournemouth Bridport Airport Exeter Dorchester Exeter Airport Poole Axmouth Bournemouth Lyme Moreton Regis West Seaton Bay Wareham Beer Budleigh Studland Salterton Upwey West Lulworth Weymouth Steam Swanage Durdle Railway Door

TRIASSIC JURASSIC CRETACEOUS Kimmeridge

KIMMERIDGE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE JURASSIC COAST. A WORLD HERITAGE SITE

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“There is no limit to my admiration of . He is a collector par excellence but rather than pursuing commercial return he is always open and generous to all who wish to see his collection, from school children to people like myself. His modesty is no reflection of his talents. His collection is a gem for the country and he is a national treasure.”

PROFESSOR SIMON CONWAY MORRIS FRS Professor of Evolutionary Palaeobiology, Dept. of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge

Steve Etches and his acclaimed collection Exceptional finds from the world of the Late Jurassic

It was long thought that the local Kimmeridgian clays had little to yield by way of evidence via well-preserved fossils. A belief that was changed by the amazing discoveries of Steve Etches, local to Kimmeridge, collector and expert who over the last 30 years, has discovered, collected and researched over 2000 incredible late Jurassic Kimmeridgian specimens. An achievement that has resulted in a collection of the most extensive and finest fossil specimens ever found in the Kimmeridgian Clay Formation.

Many of the species Steve has discovered are new to science and are of great palaeontological importance. Each find has been perfectly curated, STEVE ETCHES LEADING A FIELD TRIP providing an immaculate record that reveals every aspect and tells the stories of these incredible creatures from deep time, how they bred, how they lived and died.

The collection enjoys great patronage and endorsements from palaeontologists, geologists and scientists in recognition of the superior status of the collection and its collector. The Palaeontological Association awarded The Prize to Steve in 1993 and 2005. The Geological Society of London awarded the R.H. Worth Prize in 1994 and The Geologists’ Association The Halstead Medal. Such recognition is testament to the importance of the collection and the dedication and scientific AT WORK ON THE KIMMERIDGE SHALES contributions made by an amateur palaeontologist.

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MAIN PICTURE: FRONT ENTRANCE TO PROPOSED MUSEUM The Etches Collection Creating a permanent home for a world class fossil collection and a community centre for Kimmeridge

Limited space means the collection is not currently housed together and viewings can only be made by appointment. In 2008, the Kimmeridge community formed a collaborative Trust. Their objective is to provide a secure and permanent home for The Etches Collection, making it readily accessible to all and conserving it as a national treasure. In early 2013, the owner of the Smedmore Estate gifted land on which to build the museum. Steve Etches also gifted his priceless collection to the Trust.

Plans are well advanced to create a unique museum for The Etches PROPOSED MUSEUM BUILDING Collection based in Kimmeridge, especially designed to give an engaging and educational experience with which the local community can also be fully involved. A place that will become a major attraction to the many visitors that frequent the village and each year as well as a variety of new audiences.

A great visitor experience, The Etches Collection will include an educational and research area and a visible workshop enabling the careful extraction and preparation process to take place so the collection can continue to develop and expand. FOOTPRINT OF THE SITE GIFTED BY THE SMEDMORE ESTATE

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Designing the museum Local empathy and amazing use of space

In 2013, Purbeck District Council gave planning consent for building plans on the site gifted by The Smedmore Estate in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded a round 1 pass allowing the Kimmeridge Trust to develop their plans.

In April 2013, Kennedy O’Callaghan Architects were commissioned to design an environmentally sustainable building and support the VIEW LOOKING WEST Trust in their round 2 application for capital funds. The result is an inspiring design, totally sympathetic with the local environment, configured to maximise viewing and display of the collection and flexible use of space.

The design supports the innovative concepts of the exhibition display and the incorporation of advanced technology including VIEW LOOKING NORTH WEST computer generated imagery (CGI) and interactive hands-on methods. Versatile spaces are cleverly configured to provide flexible use for activities involving the community, learning and research. Pivotal to the design, there is a workshop, visible to visitors in which Mr Etches can continue to advance his work and grow the collection whilst transferring his skills and sharing his knowledge with others. VIEW LOOKING NORTH

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ARCHITECTS CGI OF MUSEUM BUILDING from THE SOUTH west

Bringing the vision to life Exhibition Display Gallery

THE ETCHES COLLECTION Collector & Fossil Hunter Gallery

Upper Foyer Studio Workshop

WC MUSEUM OF JURASSIC Reserve Collection MARINE LIFE Archive & Library

Kitchenette & Wet Room Discovery Room

Store

Flexible Learning/ Community Space

Offices Covered Terrace Entrance, Lower Foyer, Admissions, Shop & WCs

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Unique stories from deep time

ERYMA – OLDEST TRUE LOBSTER FOUND SHELTERING UNDER PICTONIA AMMONITE

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Some examples from The Etches Collection The Etches Collection is the result of one man’s passion. Over 30 years of discovery and diligent research, dogged determination not just to find and collect specimens, but also to bring to life the amazing stories of the creatures that existed in the Kimmeridgian age. The following pages give a sense of how the marine creatures of that ancient world existed.

RHINOBATUS RAY – UNIQUE SPECIMEN SHOWING SET OF BEAUTIFULLY PRESERVED EXAMPLE OF ECHINOID CLASPER FINS USED DURING REPRODUCTION - A FIRST DISCOVERY FOR BRITAIN

CLOSE UP OF UNSERRATED TEETH OF JAW DELICATELY FOSSILISED DRAGONFLY WING (ANISOPTERA)

FINELY PRESERVED SPECIMEN OF FISH CALLED THRISSOPS AMMONITE EGGS SHOWING RARE DISCOVERY OF HOW THESE PROLIFIC REPRODUCED. A FIRST FOR SCIENCE

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Life over 150 million years ago Two thousand marine fossil specimens brought to life by their unique stories

The broken Ichthyosaur jaw Predated Ichthyosaur jaw/skull. Example of Ichthyosaur with its head bitten off

Complete new genus and species of barnacle Still living in tropical seas off the Japanese coast. This is the oldest example known from deep time

Ammonites (Pavlovia Rotunda) Several young Ammonites that have been washed into the body of another, larger example A First Pterosaur skull found on the Dorset coast for 200 years. Unique to science and recently been described and named Cuspicephalus Scarfi

A Gastropod A beautiful example of a common fossil found in the muddy substrate Pliosaur tooth The largest carnivorous reptile that ever lived. Designed to deal with eating bone and flesh. Top of the food chain predator

The Ichthyosaur with a full belly A superb fully articulated Ichthyosaur, possibly the finest ever from the Kimmeridgian Clay Formation. Its meal of fish and can still be seen within the rib cage. Experts have agreed it represents a new species MUSEUM OF JURASSIC MARINE LIFE

A Teleost fish Deep sea predator. Fish skull showing large fangs at front of jaw for preying on smaller fish

Broken wing of flying reptile The only known partial wing of a primitive Pterosaur called Rhamphorynchus

Belemnotheutis (Squid) Complete squid with tentacles and hooklets to grasp their prey. Complete with THE ETCHES COLLECTION

An innovative exhibition experience Stories from deep time

Visitors will enter the Exhibition Gallery and experience a laboratory of the senses as they are taken on an immersive journey through life underwater 150 million years ago. Created by the gallery ceiling as if it were an underwater, glass roofed vessel from which visitors view the surrounding water world delivered by CGI projection.

The space will be transformed into an aquarium of the past in the blink of an eye, it will change from a scene of tranquillity and beauty to raw, primal violence and a fight for survival. Objects that once seemed static will be brought to life and represented as if they were modern day animals.

Directly beneath the ceiling, The Etches Collection will be showcased in illuminated cabinets, the fossil specimens that are the evidence of the stories of that deep time, bringing to the fore what is being shown above in the underwater world. The end of an age brought to life then death.

The fossil specimens will be carefully presented and interpreted to bring to life their individual stories. Visitors will leave the museum recognising that the fossils are tangible evidence of living beings and that there are a wealth of untold stories to explore and discover as well as a lot to be learnt from this former life on earth.

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DESIGNER’S IMPRESSION OF EXHIBITION DISPLAY GALLERY SHOWING STUDIO WORKSHOP IN THE BACKGROUND

LIFE AND DEATH IN THE KIMMERIDGIAN SEAS

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The Etches Collection An inspiration for many audiences

An innovative and inspiring visitor experience A new all year round indoor and outdoor visitor attraction for Dorset, the museum will be exemplary in excellence and operation, fitting seamlessly with tourism strategies for developing the Jurassic Coast. It will not only enhance the experience for the 150,000 visitors that already come to Kimmeridge every year, but also attract a wider audience of people of every age who want to visit the museum. The objective is to put the ‘Jurassic into Jurassic’ with considerable investment in the creation of engaging and interactive exhibitions supported by fieldwork projects and outreach programmes. The exhibition area will be constantly refreshed with new displays to excite and engage audiences with the collection as it is brought to life. An informative virtual platform for the museum including a digital collection management database will present the collection in an open forum for exploring ideas and learning more through web broadcasting, virtual visualisations and access to experts and resources.

A place for the local community and for economic growth The museum will serve as a strong local focus for the village of Kimmeridge. In an otherwise difficult area of renewal, it will provide a catalyst that will enhance and strengthen the community without the destructive side effects that so often threaten these places of beauty. A flexible space for community led activities will be available and the pride and morale of this small community will be raised as the name and importance of Kimmeridge is recognised throughout the world. It will give them the confidence to lead, manage and take responsibility for their own future development. The museum will generate employment that is vital in an outlying rural area and will open up opportunities for apprenticeships, adult learning, training and volunteers.

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A facility for activities and learning: a significant resource for the national curriculum At the heart of our operation, active participation and learning will be encouraged to unlock stories about fossil hunters, Kimmeridge’s place in the global story and revealing the scientific significance of the collection. A changing palette of practical and exploratory programmes and opportunities for students and visitors to participate alongside the exhibitions revealing how the artifacts were found and prepared and what their relevance is to life today.

From September 2014, a new science curriculum will be introduced to schools in years 3 & 6. The biology and chemistry strands will include evolution and fossils. The Etches Collection contains a variety of specimens capable of telling vivid stories about the lives, predation, death and fossilization of a vast range of marine animals. These stories are engaging and endlessly fascinating to young scientists. Harper Collins will be working in partnership with the museum to develop a suite of nationally available teaching resources that will feature the collection and Steve Etches. The museum will play a key role in exciting the nation’s young people in the world of fossils, both in the museum and across the internet.

A centre for academic research and knowledge: study and fieldwork for the oil and gas industries In the sedimentary basins of the North Sea, the Formation is one of the most important source rocks for oil, this shale oil is economically one of the most principal horizons in all British geology. Kimmeridge is a mecca for oil and gas geologists and this museum will act as a flagship for the geological community, both national and international. This purpose-built museum close to the site where this collection of fossils were unearthed, will ensure that its scientific, cultural and historical potential is realised. This educational facility will enable researchers to fully describe and document the many new species that are represented, increasing our knowledge of the rich fossil heritage of The British Isles for the benefit of future generations to come.

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A project in progress The Trust has gained great support and success

The museum housing The Etches Collection will be a centre of excellence, a place where interested parties can research, learn, debate and share aspects of geology and the world of the Kimmeridgian, or rent the space for an inspiring corporate event. Fully supported by local residents, the project provides a new community centre for recreational use and social meetings and events. An ideal opportunity for people to participate and get involved, take the lead and shape their own future.

Key milestones, amazing support and contribution • Gifting of The Etches Collection

• Grant of land by the Smedmore Estate

• Unanimous support from the local community

• Support from Jurassic Coast

• Funding from Purbeck District Council

• Funding from Dorset County Council

• Funding from Hobson Charity

• Funding and support from The Heritage Lottery Fund

• Funding and support from Perenco UK

• Funding and support from the Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain (PESGB)

• Funding from Chalk & Cheese (DEFRA)

• Funding from individual donors

• Funding from The Wolfson Foundation

• Support from Bournemouth University

• Funding from Canford Environmental Ltd

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Funding the vision We need your support to achieve our goal

Developing and building the project, making it sustainable and delivering the various strands of potential requires a multi-faceted funding strategy and formation of partnerships. The delivery plan is underway and is set to achieve completion and opening of The Etches Collection in early 2016. The Kimmeridge Trust would like to thank The Heritage Lottery Fund for their continued support.

Key funding requirements for the next stage • Support of on-going costs for the project

• The Etches Collection educational programme

• Activities, planning and fulfilment

• Acquisition of archive storage space

• Sponsorship of literature and publicity

• On-going support to the exhibition and museum events

• Technology and IT requirements

• Design and support of online and social media capability

• Sponsorship of The Etches Collection Exhibition and Studio Workshop

• Support research and further growth of the collection

• Website development and electronic connectivity

• Support for graduate apprentice program

• Support for the community centre and volunteers

• Sponsorship of the Learning and Education spaces and programme

• Support for a Curator and Participation & Learning Manager

To learn more about The Etches Collection and our funding opportunities please contact us using the details below:

Telephone: 00 44 (0)1929 480 737 Email: [email protected] Website: www.theetchescollection.org

XIV The cover shows a beautifully preserved and curated Aspidorhynchid. One of over 2000 unique fossil specimens discovered in the Kimmeridge Clay.

Telephone: 00 44 (0)1929 480 737 Email: [email protected] Website: www.theetchescollection.org

Kimmeridge Trust and Project Team © 2014 Charity no: 1106638 Company no: 05140821