'James Perkins: The Man Who Walks with Dinosaurs' by Wolfgang Grulke

Throughout the many diverse careers I’ve pursued - ranging from cartoonist and DJ to working in high-tech businesses, palaeontology, and authoring books on these subjects - there has been one constant thread running through all of them: my deep and unshakable passion for collecting. Whether it’s art, fossils, or innovative technology, I have always been drawn to objects and ideas that spark my curiosity, and I’ve never been able to focus on just one area of interest. This constant need to explore and gather knowledge has been a defining feature of my life. When James Perkins and I met, we quickly realized that we were kindred spirits, bound together by this shared passion for discovery and collecting.

James’ collection at Parnham Park, exemplifies an insatiably unique style that lies at the intersection of the classical and the bizarre, blending the natural world with humanity’s finest creations. From the fractal patterns found in nature to the intricate designs crafted by the hands of humans, these collections embody the very best of both realms. It’s a fascinating juxtaposition, one that spans unimaginably vast periods of time - from today’s most exquisite and cutting-edge crafts to artistic milestones from centuries past, and even natural objects from pre-history that date back hundreds of millions of years. This fusion of old and new, of natural and man-made, brings forward a level of creativity and inspiration that is truly rare and compelling.

It is in these unexpected intersections of time, design, and nature that the most ground-breaking insights emerge - insights that challenge our thinking and inspire new evolutionary design concepts. The transformation of Parnham Park into what it is today is nothing short of mind-blowing, as it becomes a place where the past and the present come together in ways that ignite the imagination.

Given its rich historical context, it’s only fitting that this collection is based right here, adjacent to Dorset’s Jurassic Coast World Heritage site, an area that holds a deep connection to the history of life on Earth. Over 200 years ago, a young girl named Mary Anning, armed with little more than curiosity and determination, began uncovering ammonites and the skeletons of ancient sea creatures (often referred to as ‘sea dragons’). These extraordinary discoveries - somewhat akin to the ammonites, nautiluses, and ichthyosaurs found in this auction - would go on to prove that life on Earth wasn’t confined to just 6000 years, but instead stretched back over hundreds of millions of years. Mary Anning’s contributions to palaeontology have now been rightfully acknowledged by the Royal Society, which recognized her as one of the ten British women who most profoundly influenced the course of scientific history.

In the future, Parnham Park could very well be seen as a jewel in the already rich tapestry of Dorset’s historical and prehistorical heritage. As it grows and evolves, it has the potential to become a focal point for new generations of collectors, scholars, and enthusiasts, adding yet another layer to the region’s storied past.

This catalogue brings to the forefront a selection of truly remarkable pieces, each one representing a unique chapter in the history of life on Earth. Among the highlights, is a Xiphactinus Audax, a breathtaking example of a prehistoric fish that swam in the Cretaceous seas over 90 million years ago. This spectacular specimen, with its sharp teeth and powerful body, is a true testament to the apex predators of its time and offers an incredible glimpse into the world of ancient marine life.

Equally awe-inspiring is the inclusion of the Megaloceros Giganteus, also known as the giant Irish elk, one of the largest species of deer to ever roam the Earth. With antlers that could span up to 12 feet, this iconic species provides a striking example of evolutionary grandeur and the vast scale of prehistoric megafauna. To behold such a specimen is to step back in time to an age when giant creatures dominated the landscape.

Additionally, the auction features an exceptionally rare Ichthyosaur skeleton in a 3D format, a marine reptile that ruled the oceans during the Mesozoic era. Often compared to modern-day dolphins in their streamlined form, Ichthyosaurs were sophisticated and highly evolved creatures, perfectly adapted to life in the water. The fossilized remains of these creatures evoke both awe and wonder, offering a profound connection to the deep, ancient past and the complex evolutionary processes that shaped life as we know it.

Each of these extraordinary items reflects the profound, timeless nature of the world’s most significant fossils and the endless fascination they continue to spark. The presence of such iconic specimens in this auction underscores the powerful link between the past, present, and James’ vision which will invite collectors and enthusiasts alike to embrace the mysteries of deep time. 

In the meantime, this auction offers a selection of truly important and fascinating objects, each one carrying a rich history and the promise of a future filled with new discoveries. As these pieces find their way into proud collections and homes around the world, they will continue the legacy of passionate collecting, spreading it to new generations and inspire others to embark on their own journeys of discovery, just as we have done throughout our lives.

Natural History Highlights

Dragons of the Sea | Ichthyosaur (Stenopterygius SP)

Ichthyosaurs, a group of extinct marine reptiles, were among the first fossils to be scientifically discovered and described in Europe. The earliest finds date back to the late 17th century in the United Kingdom, marking a significant moment in the history of palaeontology. In 1811, Mary Anning, along with her brother Joseph, made a ground breaking discovery in Lyme Regis along the Jurassic Coast of Dorset - one of the earliest and most complete Ichthyosaur specimens ever found.

While the United Kingdom remains a historically significant site for the discovery of Ichthyosaur fossils, it is in Germany, specifically in the Konservat-Lagerstätte of the Posidonia Shale at Holzmaden, that some of the most extraordinary and exceptionally preserved specimens have been found. These fossil beds, dating to the Early and Middle Jurassic periods, provide some of the most complete and remarkable Ichthyosaur specimens ever discovered. The two specimens offered in this auction originate from this renowned site, dating back approximately 180 million years.

Ichthyosaur fossils that are presented “on slab,” meaning they are shown as they were found in the fossil beds with the bones still embedded in the surrounding rock matrix, are among the most coveted specimens in the natural history auction market. These fossils are highly sought after, not only because of their historical and scientific significance but also for the impressive display of preservation they represent.

The “flat” preservation of these fossils, with the bones deeply embedded within the matrix, presents significant challenges in preparation. Transforming these fossils into three-dimensional specimens requires specialised expertise and the use of highly sophisticated techniques. Only a select number of specialised fossil preparation labs around the world possess the skill and resources necessary to undertake such delicate work.

The two Ichthyosaur specimens in this sale have been carefully selected for their outstanding preservation and represent some of the finest examples of their kind, with the one presented "on slab" (Lot 144), while the other has been carefully constructed into a 3D specimen (Lot 57).

Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus Primigenius)

This outstanding specimen of Mammuthus primigenius (Lot 142), the iconic woolly mammoth, offers a rare and extraordinary glimpse into the Pleistocene epoch. Once abundant across the vast, cold landscapes of the Northern Hemisphere, woolly mammoths were a defining species of their time. Known for their remarkable size, thick fur, and long, curved tusks, these majestic creatures were adapted to survive in the harsh, ice age environment.

Mammuthus primigenius played a significant role in shaping the environments of the Pleistocene, from their grazing habits that impacted the vegetation to their interactions with other species, including early humans. Their eventual extinction, likely due to a combination of climate change and hunting pressure, marks the end of a significant chapter in Earth’s natural history. Specimens such as this one are increasingly rare, making them not only a highly coveted addition to any collection but also a critical asset for scientific study.

Giant Deer Skull (Megaloceros Giganteus)

The Irish elk (Megaloceros Giganteus), also known as the ‘Giant Deer’ or ‘Irish Deer’, is an extinct species of deer that once roamed across Eurasia during the Pleistocene. This magnificent creature is among the largest deer to have ever lived, with antlers that could span up to 3.5 meters (11 feet) across, the largest known of any deer species. The range of the Irish elk extended from Ireland, where its remains are frequently found in peat bogs, to as far east as Lake Baikal in Siberia. The last known populations of this species are believed to have survived in western Russia until approximately 7,700 years ago. The first scientific descriptions of the Irish elk’s remains were made by Irish physician Thomas Molyneux in 1695. Molyneux identified large antlers found at Dardistown, Ireland - antlers that were commonly unearthed throughout the country - as belonging to a species of elk (commonly known as the moose in North America). Molyneux concluded that these large animals had once been abundant on the island, though at the time, the full extent of the species’ range and size was not understood.

The Irish elk was first formally named Alce Gigantea by Johann Friedrich Blumenbach in his Handbuch der Naturgeschichte in 1799. Blumenbach’s classification marked the beginning of the formal scientific understanding of the species, which was later reclassified under the genus Megaloceros. Despite its name, the Irish elk is not closely related to the modern elk (Cervus canadensis); rather, it is more closely related to the fallow deer (Dama).

Palm Fronds (Sabalites SP)

Palm fronds represent one of the rarest and most exquisite types of fossils, highly sought after by collectors due to their exceptional beauty and the difficulty of their preservation. The delicate, thin leaves of palm trees are usually among the first to decay and are therefore seldom fossilised. However, when they do survive the ravages of time, they offer an incredibly rare and valuable window into the distant past. Approximately 50 million years ago, much of North America, including regions as far north as Alaska, was blanketed by dense, tropical forests. These lush ecosystems thrived in the warm, humid climate that spanned much of the continent during the Paleogene period. Today, the fossils of these tropical plants, often found in areas that are now inhospitable to such life, serve as silent witnesses to this vanished world. The palm frond we see here (Lot 155) grew in a time when the Rocky Mountains were still forming, around 15 million years after the extinction of the dinosaurs, providing a direct link to this rich and diverse ancient environment.

The palms that grew along the shores of the Green River Formation flourished in a warm, freshwater lake setting, a perfect habitat for these tropical plants. Over time, some of the fronds detached from their parent trees and were carried by winds or water into the lake. Once submerged, the fronds found their way to the anoxic (oxygen-deprived) depths of the lake, where the unique preservation conditions were ideal. The waters of the lower layers of the lake contained little to no oxygen, which greatly slowed down bacterial decomposition and  prevented scavengers from disturbing the remains. This lack of oxygen created an almost perfect environment for fossilisation, as the soft tissue of plants and animals could remain intact for millions of years. As the fronds sank to the lake’s bottom, they were gradually covered by fine layers of calcium carbonate sediment, which gently buried them over time. This slow accumulation of sediment allowed for the preservation of remarkable detail, ultimately leading to the fossil we see today.

The Green River Formation, located in Wyoming, is one of the most famous and significant Lagerstätten in the world. Lagerstätten are geologically unique sites that provide exceptionally well-preserved fossils, often including delicate soft parts that are rarely preserved elsewhere in the fossil record. This fossil palm frond is a stunning example. Not only is it exceptionally rare, but it is also distinguished by the incredible level of detail captured in the fossil. The intricate leaf veins are preserved with such clarity that they are almost indistinguishable from the original living plant. The frond has also retained its distinctive charcoal-like colour, adding to its beauty and historical significance. This fossil provides an invaluable glimpse into the plant life of a tropical world that no longer exists, a world where the earth’s climate was much warmer and wetter than it is today.

Xiphactinus Audax

This impressive specimen of Xiphactinus audax, a large and predatory fish from the late Cretaceous period, provides an extraordinary glimpse into the ancient marine ecosystems that once dominated Earth’s oceans. Known for its elongated body, large teeth, and fearsome appearance, Xiphactinus audax was one of the most formidable predators of its time. With its sleek, torpedo-shaped form and powerful jaws, it likely  preyed on smaller fish and marine reptiles, making it a significant apex predator in its environment.

The fossil offered in Lot 179 is particularly remarkable, showcasing the well-defined details of the fish’s skeletal structure. Xiphactinus audax is known for its large size, with some individuals growing over 16 feet long, and this specimen exemplifies the impressive scale and power of this extinct species. The preservation of the bones and other features provides invaluable insight into the anatomy, biology, and behaviour of this Cretaceous predator.

This species lived approximately 100 to 70 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period, a time when the Earth’s oceans were home to a diverse array of marine life. The Xiphactinus audax was a fast-swimming, aggressive fish, and its fossilised remains provide important clues about the dynamics of ancient marine ecosystems, including predator-prey relationships and the role of apex predators in shaping their environments. 

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Auction Details

Tuesday 13 May, 10.30am BST
Auction venue: Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE
Viewing venue: Parnham Park, Beaminster, Dorset DT8 3LZ

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VIEWING:

• Viewing at Parnham Park, Dorset | Entrance with catalogue only (admits two)
  • Friday 9 May: 10.30am-5pm
  • Saturday 10 May: 10.30am-5pm
  • Sunday 11 May: 10.30am-5pm
  • Monday 12 May: 10.30am-5pm

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