
Jon Clatworthy
Director
Jon oversees the direction and management of the Museum.
From volcanoes to dinosaurs, imagination soars when visitors explore 4.6 billion years of history with the exceptional objects in our galleries. Entry is free to all and there is no need to book.
Housing one of the UK’s most outstanding geological collections, we support teaching at the University of Birmingham as well as international researchers.
The Museum's new shop has arrived. Drop in to see our new gifts, from cuddly toys to fascinating books, there is something for everyone.
For any questions regarding events, please contact lapworth@contacts.bham.ac.uk
Between 8 Feb - 7 Sept 2025, become a detective and unravel a series of curious, whimsical mysteries in the Museum.
Follow our guide on 6 Jul 2025 for a free walking tour of Dudley, visiting geologically significant localities like Brewin’s Bridge on a trip sure to boost wellbeing.
Join us on 7 Jul 2025 (12:00–13:00) for a tour of the Museum and behind the scenes. All tours are free and run as first come, first served. Meet at our reception or enquire with the Director.
Ben Miller was the first stand-up artist in residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Learn and laugh as he explores volcanology, history, cats, cookies, and more at the Lapworth Museum!
Visit our temporary exhibition and explore how science has changed our understanding of dinosaurs, ending 26 Jun 2025.
See images from our previous events.
Calymene blumenbachii — 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.
Director
Jon oversees the direction and management of the Museum.
Data Scientist and Revenue Optimisation Manager
Angela blends data science and strategic insight to shape the future of the Museum.
Assistant Curator
J. D. cares for the Museum’s >300,000 specimens.
Digital Technologies Officer
Andy specialises in scanning and 3D modelling.
Learning, Communication and Engagement Officer
Anna is the Museum's secondary school learning officer, and also supports with communications and events delivery.
Learning and Community Development Officer
Jake is the Museum's contact for primary learning and the local community.
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