Mudlarking: Unearthing London’s Past

Emery Walker’s House is to host an exhibition and series of events on mudlarking including, for the first time ever, a display of the complete alphabet of Doves Type.

The Doves Press was a private printing press jointly founded at the start of the 20th century by Emery Walker and T.J. Cobden-Sanderson, who both lived (at different times) at number 7 Hammersmith Terrace, West London, now an Arts & Crafts museum which reopens to the public on March 2nd.

A full set of the Doves Type has never been exhibited anywhere in the world until now, as until recently, the pieces lay at the bottom of the River Thames. The type and matrixes had been consigned to a watery grave after a spectacular falling out between the Press’s founders followed by this infamous act of treachery. The long lost, now painstakingly recovered complete set of Doves Type is the star of the exhibition, but other highlights include treasures spanning London’s history, thanks to generous loans from London mudlarks.

These include fossils, prehistoric flint tools, Roman coins and pottery, Medieval pilgrim badges, Tudor fashion accessories, 17^th century children’s toys, Georgian personal adornments and Victorian curiosities, each revealing their own intriguing story of London’s past.

A programme of events to support the exhibition, kicks off with a talk in February, followed by walking tours, guided mudlarking experiences, a scavenger hunt and additional open days and candle-lit tours at Emery Walker’s House throughout March and April.

The spring exhibition and events programme have been guest curated by Jason Sandy, an architect, author and  member of the exclusive Society of Thames Mudlarks who lives in Chiswick. He is the author of Mudlarks: Treasures from the Thames and co-author of Thames Mudlarking: Searching for London’s Lost Treasures.

While mudlarking under Hammersmith Bridge, Sandy discovered 12 pieces of Doves Type which he generously donated to Emery Walker’s House in 2020. For the exhibition, Robert Green and Lukasz Orlinski have loaned hundreds of pieces of this beautifully designed alphabet which was used to create some of the most collectible books of their day.. And on February 21^st at 6pm, 10 days before the exhibition opens, Jason will give an introductory online talk called  Mudlarking: A Journey Through Time telling the extraordinary story of the Doves Press. He will also share some of his favourite mudlarking finds from the River Thames, some so significant they are on display in the most prestigious British museums, each giving a unique glimpse into life in London throughout the ages,.

Emery Walker’s House at 7 Hammersmith Terrace, W6 reopens for guided tours on March 2nd. Events and tours must be prebooked via https://www.emerywalker.org.uk/events.