Crystal Palace Megalosaurus

1. There is a slightly larger version of this model available at 4.5 inches which can also be printed in Versitile Plastic.
2. This same model has been tested both in metal and fine detail plastic.

 These highly detailed models represent the grade one listed concrete statues, as displayed, in Crystal Palace Park, London. These statues are a unique insight into an important time in history where the upper classes decided that it was more productive to have an educated population. Anatomically incorrect, these original sculptures were based on incomplete skeletons at the time. They are the first ever flesh on bone reconstructions of dinosaurs anywhere in the whole world. The project was commissioned by Professor Richard Owen in 1852 and then sculpted by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins. Initially constructed in Hyde Park, London, they were later moved to their current location. Built as part of a theme park, these served to entertain and educate the public. For the  Megalosaurus they only had the thigh bones, a part of the spine and two ribs, to base the reconstruction on.

The fact that they are anatomically incorrect is what gives them their uniqueness. However,  they need constant maintenance as over time the weather and environment degrades the materials  from which they are made. Water and plants get into the concrete,  which freezes, cracks and pulls everything apart.

 For more information about the Crystal Palace dinosaurs you can visit their website at cpdinosaurs.org