An MP has called on ministers to amend export controls to allow significant fossils to be classified as national treasures. This follows the sale of a major collection, unearthed on Dorset beaches, to an overseas institution.
Last week, a Guardian investigation reported that a collection of hundreds of fossils from the UK’s Jurassic Coast, including ichthyosaurs, was sold to the Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi. The fossils, which belonged to private collector Chris Moore, were reportedly offered to the Natural History Museum in London and Amgueddfa Cymru (Museum Wales), but neither institution had the necessary funds.
Lyme Regis Museum director Bridget Houseago noted in a letter to Edward Morello, the Liberal Democrat MP for West Dorset, that current cultural goods export controls do not cover fossils or other natural history items because they are not considered "made". This means some important fossils can be sold without an export licence.
Dr Jonathan Evans, chair of trustees at Lyme Regis (Philpot) Museum trust, stated the museum was not approached about acquiring the collection. Houseago and colleagues are advocating for the government to strengthen legislation to ensure all accredited UK museums are informed of proposed sales of significant collections and given an opportunity to act.
Morello has written to Fiona Twycross, the minister for museums, heritage and gambling, asking if the government will "explore options to delay or suspend the export of this collection to allow accredited UK museums a final opportunity to raise funds and submit an acquisition proposal". He emphasised the importance of preserving natural history for the nation.