Cetorhinidae Collection

Squalus maximus, Basking shark taken at Brighton 5 Dec 1812
Watercolour and ink

A most stupendous basking shark caught within one league of
Advertising flyer for the public exhibition in London of a basking shark caught in Brighton

Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) feeding at the surface on plankton, Cairns of Coll, Inner Hebrides, Scotland, UK, June

RF- Rear view of Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) feeding on plankton, visible as white dots on water surface near island of Coll, Inner Hebrides, Scotland, UK. June

Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) feeding on plankton in surface waters close to the island of Coll, Inner Hebrides. Scotland, UK. Atlantic Ocean. June

Dorsal fin of a Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) at the surface, Cairns of Coll, Inner Hebrides, Scotland. UK, June

Basking shark
Hand-drawn graphite and watercolour wash depicting side view of head of Basking shark transported from Brighton to London. 10th Dec 1812. Date: 1812

Basking shark, 19th century artwork C016 / 6210
Basking shark (Squalus maximus). Artwork of a basking shark that beached at Brighton, UK on the 5th Dec 1812. the shark was transported to London and exhibited there. It measured 9.5 metres in length

Basking shark, 19th century artwork C016 / 6211
Basking shark (Squalus maximus). Artwork of a basking shark that beached at Brighton, UK on the 5th Dec 1812 being transported on a horse-drawn carrige

Basking shark, 19th century artwork C016 / 6213
Basking shark (Squalus maximus). Artwork of the head of a basking shark that beached at Brighton, UK on the 5th Dec 1812. The shark was transported to London and exhibited there

Horses being used to transport a Basking shark from Brighton
Hand-drawn graphite and watercolour wash depicting the horses used to transport a Basking shark from North Audley Street, Brighton to London on a carriage pulled by 12 horses. 10th Dec 1812

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The majestic Cetorhinidae, also known as the Basking shark (Squalus maximus), has captivated observers for centuries. On a fateful day in Brighton, on December 5th, 1812, an extraordinary sighting occurred - a most stupendous Basking shark was caught within one league of the shore. Its sheer size and presence left spectators in awe. These gentle giants are often seen feeding at the surface on plankton, as witnessed near Cairns of Coll. A remarkable rear view reveals their massive frame gracefully gliding through the water while indulging in their favorite meal. The dorsal fin of a Basking shark emerges from the surface like a sentinel guarding its underwater realm. From Scotland's Inner Hebrides to Cornwall's open waters, these magnificent creatures continue to mesmerize with their impressive feeding habits. With mouths wide open and jaws ready to filter out plankton concentrated in surface waters, they demonstrate nature's ingenious design. Even artwork from the 19th century pays homage to these captivating beings. Their portrayal showcases their grandeur and evokes a sense of wonder that has endured throughout time. The Cetorhinidae family holds secrets yet to be fully unraveled by science but remains an emblematic symbol of marine biodiversity and conservation efforts worldwide. As we marvel at these incredible creatures' existence, let us strive to protect them and ensure future generations can witness their splendor firsthand.