Celebrating the Thames
The Totally Thames festival is a month filled with 100 arts events, active adventures, environmental initiatives, and educational programs along the River Thames. Beachcombers especially enjoy highly interactive, free exhibitions featuring the historic finds of some of London’s mudlarks.
September 3–5, 2021, 10–5 pm
Hands on History: Mudlarking at St Paul’s Cathedral, Wren Gallery, London
In the historic setting of St Paul’s Cathedral, you can meet London’s mudlarks and see their fascinating collections, which have been passionately assembled over several decades of searching the exposed riverbed at low tide.
September 25–26, 2021, 10–5 pm
Hands on History: Mudlarking exhibition, Chiswick Pier Trust, The Pier House, London
Situated along the River Thames, this mudlarking exhibition provides a unique opportunity to meet London’s mudlarks and get a tangible experience of their collections.
In addition to the main exhibition, the Thames Explorer Trust is providing guided tours of the Thames foreshore where you can discover history for yourself on September 3rd and 25th. On September 4th, the Worshipful Company of Cutlers will exhibit mudlarking finds, including a collection of over 800 knives from the Thames. On September 25th and 26th, join senior curator Mallory Horrill for a walking tour along the Thames in Hammersmith, including private tours of the homes of William Morris and Emery Walker. You’ll get a peek at some of the famous Doves Type, discarded in the River Thames over 100 years ago and still found by mudlarks today.
For more information about all the events, visit thamesfestivaltrust.org/whats-on/ and get ready to celebrate the Thames.
Mudlarking on the Thames Foreshore requires a permit. Learn about rules for mudlarking in London ›
Learn more about mudlarking
Learn more about the experiences of mudlarks, who search the shores of rivers, bays, and seas for historical finds and other objects. Articles ›
Learn more about the best beaches and destinations for sea and beach glass, seashells, fossils, rocks, and more beach finds around the world. Articles ›
This article appeared in the Beachcombing Magazine September/October 2021 issue.
