Metal Crystal Palace Iguanadon

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.

The iguanodon is constructed In a way that resembles the modern day iguana and a rhino. This is because  all the scientists had to go on by was the "stabbing thumb,"  which we now know was on its hands and not on its nose.

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