Leeds Museum Crinoid Geoblitz.

I thoroughly enjoyed a crinoid Geoblitz (systematic review of crinoids using Geoblitz criteria below) with the curator Neil Owen of Leeds Museum. There were some interesting specimens - I particularly enjoyed seeing the large slab of Woodacrinus crinoids - there were juveniles as well adult crinoids.

Stars were given GOLD= High (meets all four of he criteria), Silver and Bronze .

CRITERIA:

1. Scientific – is of taxonomic or other research importance; including being cited or published.
2. Historic – associated with a known collector, donor, locality, site, discovery, date or institution; support research in a specific field
3. Rarity/Uniqueness – internationally, nationally or regionally important; rare in museums collections and/or from an important local or SSSI site
4. Public Engagement – has an interesting history, has good public engagement potential for display, events or publicity.

BACKGROUND - Leeds Museum Geology Collection (over 24, 000 Minerals, Rock Types and Fossils from around the world)

The Geology Collection dates back to the 1820’s and has been awarded a “Designated Outstanding Collection” by the Arts Council England.

The fossil collection comprises (approx. 12,000 specimens – some were donated from well known collectors:

• The Ethlered Bennett’s collection of rocks and fossils,
• Ernest E. Gregory collection of rocks and fossils
• Cyril P. Castell collection of fossils.

What is a Geoblitz? what is the aim?

• To assess the collection and to identify individual specimens, therefore highlight specific key taxa for star grading system.

This assessment/identification will be used to enable greater usage/engagement of the collection and promote Star specimens for :

• Future events
• Public engagements/Outreach
• Research.

Fiona E. Fearnhead