The Line up of Victorian Scientists Talk and Workshop

About

The 19th century was a period of multiple changes affecting all avenues of society from the industrial revolution to art and scientific invention. Not least of these was Geology – a relatively new science.

Hastings Museum & Art Gallery in collaboration with Theatre Rotto supported by the Geologists' Association is presenting four events in November '26 exploring the relationship between Gideon and Mary Ann Mantell and the Geologist Charles Lyell. The Mantells of Lewes discovered the first fossils that came to be named Iguanodon in Sussex, only the second dinosaur to be formally identified and collaborated with Charles Lyell, who is widely considered to be the father of geology.

Phil Hadland introduces us to the early geologists who made some of the first discoveries of the Iguanodon including Gideon Mantell in Sussex, which supported conclusions drawn by Charles Lyell in his Principles of Geology. Lyell was a prime influence on Darwin's Evolution of the Species.

Also to be considered are formerly lesser recognised female palaeontologists including Mary Anning and Mary Ann Mantell onwards, who were instrumental in bringing these realisations to fruition.

Afterwards there is a puppet making and performing session where participants create 2D characters from the Victorian toy theatre.