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1854 Iguanodon reconstruction Hawkins
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1854 Iguanodon reconstruction Hawkins
1854 Iguanodon model by Waterhouse Hawkins. Hawkins attempted to scientifically reconstruct dinosaurs for the Crystal Palace Geological Gardens at Sydenham 1852-1855. He was helped by Richard Owen, the man who named the group. At this time there were few remains, so the endeavor was speculative. This miniature model made by Hawkins for sale in the UK by Tennant (1854) and US by Ward (1866) was one example. Iguanodon was the second dinosaur discovered, described by Mantell in 1825. Owen supposed the giant reptiles appearance was between a crocodile and a pachyderm, though Mantell thought correctly the front limbs might be smaller than the hind limbs. Both got the position of the thumb spike wrong, putting it on the nose. Though innacurate, the reconstruction fired the publics imagination. It would be only much later that Iguanodon would appear as the bipedal herbivore we know today
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Buckland Crystal Palace Cuvier Dinosaur Discovery Fossil Iguanodon Mantell Megalosaurus Owen Reconstruction Restoration Richard Owen Sydenham Victorian
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This print showcases the remarkable 1854 Iguanodon reconstruction model by Waterhouse Hawkins. During the mid-19th century, Hawkins embarked on a groundbreaking scientific endeavor to reconstruct dinosaurs for the Crystal Palace Geological Gardens in Sydenham. Assisted by Richard Owen, who coined the term "dinosaur" their efforts were speculative due to limited remains available at that time. The miniature model captured in this image was created by Hawkins and made available for sale in both the UK by Tennant (1854) and the US by Ward (1866). It served as an example of his visionary work. Iguanodon, discovered as only the second dinosaur species in 1825 by Mantell, fascinated both Owen and Mantell with its unique features. While Owen believed it resembled a cross between a crocodile and a pachyderm, Mantell correctly hypothesized that its front limbs might be smaller than its hind limbs. Despite inaccuracies such as incorrectly placing the thumb spike on its nose, this reconstruction ignited public imagination like never before. Only much later would Iguanodon be depicted accurately as a bipedal herbivore. This photograph not only captures an iconic Victorian restoration but also pays tribute to key figures like Cuvier, Buckland, and Richard Owen who played pivotal roles in our understanding of prehistoric life through fossil discoveries.
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