Works to temporarily repair the jaw of the Megalosaurus in Crystal Palace Park are now complete.
The news follows the installation of a replica prosthetic jaw, which replaces the fragmented sections of the sculpture that sustained damage during the Covid-19 lockdown period in 2020.
The prosthesis has been fabricated primarily from plastic, using white light scanning and 3D printing processes to recreate the fragmented section of the jaw. The prosthesis weighs a total of 12kg and has been reattached to the head of the Megalosaurus using metal hangers and iron rods. The replacement sections have been painted to match the original features of the sculpture.
Councillor Morgan, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said “We are delighted that these works have now been completed and the beloved Megalosaurus has been protected from dilapidating past the point of repair. I hope he will not be too fierce and terrify visitors!
Although there is much more work to be done to support the preservation of the dinosaurs, the completion of these works helps to ensure the stability of the already fragile sculpture, in preparation for further conservation works in the coming years. The council will continue to work alongside Historic England and the Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs to support this cherished community asset.”
Dr Ellinor Michel, Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs said "Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs are thrilled to see the works completed. Hundreds of individuals responded to Meg's plight which enabled us to initiate this work alongside Bromley Council and Historic England. We feel this demonstrates the power of community action and we are happy that Meg can face the future whilst we continue to protect and promote the world's first dinosaur statues."
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said "The towering Megalosaurus is loved by children and adults alike, with a fan club across the capital, the country and indeed the world. It is heartening to think that this restoration work will give so much pleasure to so many people, as we begin to explore historic places again. They were created between 1852-1855 by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, a natural history artist, and represent the first major worldwide outreach project of science as "edu-tainment".
The council would like the thank the Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs and Historic England for their ongoing support, and the government’s Culture Recovery Fund, which has helped the council proudly show its support for culture and protect its heritage assets during these challenging times.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Executive, on 020 8461 7670 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk