Rare Mary Anning book returned to Lyme Regis Museum after 40 years
It was spotted by a curator on YouTube
Last updated 22nd May 2024
A rare book owned by pioneering Dorset fossil collector Mary Anning has returned home, more than four decades after it was reported stolen.
The item, which dates back to 1821, was taken from the Lyme Regis Museum between 1946 and 1979.
It's now arrived back on what would've been her 225th birthday.
In 2022 geology curator Dr Paul Davis saw a YouTube video from Museums Victoria in Australia, focussing on the book and its inscription and that it was bought in 1985, for £300, from Blackwells of Oxford.
The unique inscription allowed him to recognise that this was the stolen book and contacted the Museum.
They've given it back and it'll go on public display again from June 8th.
Dr Paul Davis, Geology Curator, Lyme Regis Museum said:
"This is an important and significant book that belonged to Mary Anning and was donated to the museum 95 years ago.
"Mary receiving a signed and inscribed copy of the book from the author shows that she her expertise was clearly recognised and highly regarded by the scientists of the day.
"There are so few items that belonged to Mary, and it is fantastic that the book has returned home to the museum so that it can be used to tell the story of this pioneering palaeontologist in the place she lived and worked."