Mary Anning: 19th-century British Fossil Hunter

Mary Anning (21 May 1799 – 9 March 1847) was a British fossil collector, dealer and paleontologist who became known around the world for having made a number of important finds in the Jurassic-era marine fossil beds at Lyme Regis where she lived.

Her work contributed to the fundamental changes in scientific thinking about prehistoric life and the history of the earth that occurred in the early 19th century.

Still Life is paying homage to this ground-breaking woman, showcasing Tracy Chevalier's new novel Remarkable Creatures, about the life and times of Mary Anning.

On Exhibit:

A reproduction letter and drawing from Mary Anning announcing the discovery of a fossil animal now known as Plesiosaurus, December 26th, 1823. 

A Sketch of Mary Anning at work by Henry De la Beche,an Ammonite Promicoceras on matrix from Lyme Regis and an archival framed print of:

"The Little Steps, Lyme Regis." (1895)  This is an original 1914 lithograph of the Little Steps at Lyme Regis, England by James McNeill Whistler. Lyme Regis was a favorite vacation spot for Whistler.