| Code | PX172 |
| Dates | 1880-1951 |
| Person Name | Barlow; Frank Oswell (1880-1951); Technical Assistant, Department of Geology |
| Surname | Barlow |
| Forenames | Frank Oswell |
| Epithet | Technical Assistant, Department of Geology |
| Activity | Museum staff: Workshop Attendant in the Geological Department April 1899, Mason June 1908, Preparator October 1921 (which became Technical Assistant First Class 1929; Technical Assistant (Higher Grade) April 1930); retired 1941.
Later proprietor of R. F. Damon & Co, makers of anthropological and other casts and models (wanting to sell up July 1949).
Tring correspondent
During 1903-4 Mr. Barlow spent a year in Fayum(Egypt) excavating Caenozoic vertebrates with Dr. C.W. Andrews, and afterwards made restorations of the most important finds, such as the Arsinoitherium. He developed Sir Arthur Smith Woodward's collection of Pliocene mammal remains from Pikermi, Greece, and many other famous specimens, including Archaeopteryx. His last major work at the Museum was to carry out the difficult task of restoring the head of the Triassic amphibian Cyclotosaurus from mere cavities in the rock.
He was particularly known for his work in palaeoanthropology, and particularly for his modelling of Smith Woodward's restoration of the Piltdown skull. He is one of the figures seen standing behind Sir Arthur Kieth in the painting by John Cooke, R.A., illustrating the Piltdown controversy (1913). |
| Relationships | Son of Caleb Barlow, previous Mason |
| Source | Obituary, Nature Vol. 168, p.1103, Decemeber 29, 1951 |