The Lapworth Museum of Geology

A death assemblage of Silurian fossils on Wenlock Limestone.

Welcome to the Museum

From volcanoes to dinosaurs, imagination soars at one of the oldest geological collections in the UK.

Founded in 1880 and named after Charles Lapworth, the first Professor of Geology at Mason College, the Museum still retains its original Edwardian setting within the Grade II listed Aston Webb Building. Our exceptional objects cover 4.6 billion years of Earth's history, and we continue to support international researchers, students, and anyone passionate about geology.

General entry is free and there is no need to book prior to your visit.

Visiting information

Calymene blumenbachii major — An exceptionally well-preserved ‘Dudley Bug’ or ‘Dudley Locust’, a 428-million-year-old fossil trilobite from the Much Wenlock Limestone Formation of Dudley. It dates back to a time when much of the area was covered by warm, shallow, tropical sea with small reefs containing a rich and diverse ecosystem. It was discovered in the 1830s and described as the finest example ever found.
Calcite and galena coated with quartz — This exquisite mineral specimen comprises pink, rhombic calcite and lead-grey galena, both encrusted with fine quartz crystals. It is one of the largest and finest examples from the former lead mines of South Shropshire. While the lead ores were exploited by the Romans, it was during the 18th and 19th centuries that the mines became some of the most productive lead mines in Europe. The specimen is from the collection of Robert Jasper More (1836–1903) a Shropshire-based landowner and MP.
Milne-Shaw seismograph — Black Country born John Shaw (1873–1948) became interested in the study of earthquakes and began designing seismographs. His prototype was constructed from anything he could get his hands on, from tin cans to old bicycle parts, and then it was precision made in the Midlands. He converted the cellar and greenhouse of his home into a mini production line, from which the machines were distributed worldwide. This is Shaw’s own instrument, which he used in the seismic recording station at his home in West Bromwich. Shaw became a well-known authority, providing early reports of distant earthquakes and broadcasting a series of talks on seismology for the BBC.
Neonate ichthyosaur — This is an extremely small (70 cm) and very young, example of Ichthyosaurus communis, a 199-million-year-old marine reptile. It is a newborn, or neonate, just a few weeks old, and is exceptionally well-preserved, with the fossilised remains of its last meal in its stomach. It was previously thought that younger ichthyosaurs solely ate fish, but this specimen revealed the remains were that of prehistoric squid-like animals called belemnites.
Lapworth cross-section — This beautiful cross-section illustrates the geological structure of Dob's Linn in the Southern Uplands of Scotland. It shows the rock units and the zones of graptolite fossils identified by Charles Lapworth, which allowed him to unravel the complex geological history of the region. The section was drawn by Lapworth as a large teaching aid at Mason College, the forerunner of the University of Birmingham. During lectures, it was hung, along with others, on a rope and pulley system operated by Lapworth, appearing at the front of the lecture room when required - the PowerPoint slides of the 1880s.

The Lapworth Museum galleries with wooden cabinets and an Allosaurus skeleton.

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Jon Clatworthy
Director
Jon oversees the direction and management of the Museum.
J. D. Dixon
Assistant Curator
J. D. cares for the Museum’s >300,000 specimens.
Anna Leppänen
Learning, Communication and Engagement Officer
Anna is the Museum's secondary school learning officer, and also supports with communications and events delivery.
Dr Jake Atterby
Learning and Community Development Officer
Jake is the Museum's contact for primary learning and the local community.
Dr Andy Jones
Digital Technologies Officer
Andy specialises in specimen digitisation and 3D reconstruction.
Angela George
Data Scientist and Revenue Optimisation Manager
Angela blends data science and strategic insight to shape the future of the Museum.