One of UK’s Best Fossil Collections Sold Overseas in ‘Loss to the Nation’

The sale of Chris Moore’s vast collection of Jurassic fossils to a museum in Abu Dhabi has left many in the UK feeling like they’ve lost something irreplaceable. The 318 specimens, including ichthyosaurs and marine life, are now displayed in the Mesozoic Gallery at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.

This loss is not just about the fossils themselves but also about their significance to the UK’s Jurassic Coast. Lyme Regis, part of the Unesco world heritage site, has been a hotspot for fossil collecting since Mary Anning’s pioneering work in the early 19th century. The West Dorset Fossil Collecting Code and the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve Fossil Collecting Code aim to balance collectors’ enthusiasm with the preservation of our heritage. However, these codes are not legally binding, leaving the door open for collectors like Moore to sell their finds overseas.

The UK’s lack of funding for acquisitions has been cited as a reason why institutions like the Natural History Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru did not purchase the collection. This is a symptom of a larger issue: the underfunding of museums and heritage institutions in the UK. In contrast, some countries, such as Mongolia and Brazil, consider all fossils found in their territories to be state property.

The sale raises important questions about who bears responsibility for preserving our natural heritage. Is it the collectors, the landowners, or the government? The fact that fossils can be sold by collectors to private individuals, museums, or buyers overseas without specific export requirements highlights a lack of coordination between different agencies and departments.

Many may argue that global sharing of fossil collections is essential for understanding our shared natural history. However, the reality is that many of these specimens are irreplaceable. The loss of this collection will be felt not just by scientists but also by the general public who could have been inspired by these fossils in a UK museum. As Professor Richard Butler, a leading expert in paleobiology, pointed out, “This sale raises important questions about whether more should be done to preserve important and irreplaceable natural heritage such as this for the benefit of the UK public.”

The market price of fossils is a telling indicator of our priorities. While small ammonites can be bought for a few pounds, high-profile sales like Stan the T rex or Gus show that fossils can fetch colossal sums. It’s no wonder that museums often struggle to compete with private buyers and collectors who are willing to pay top dollar.

In an era of increasing globalized trade, it is essential that we reconsider our approach to preserving our natural heritage. We need a more coordinated effort between government agencies, museums, and collectors to ensure that our shared history is not lost to the highest bidder. As the sale of Chris Moore’s collection shows, our fossil heritage is not just a national treasure but also a global one – and it requires a collective approach to its preservation.

In the words of Mary Anning, “The world has lost something in not having these specimens remain within the country from whence they were obtained.”