Unearth fascinating objects and stories from London’s past in the UK’s first major exhibition dedicated to mudlarking.
London Museum Docklands new major exhibition Secrets of the Thames: Mudlarking London’s lost treasures is the first major exhibition on mudlarking, Exploring fascinating finds from the Thames foreshore, an internationally important archaeological site, and the role of mudlarks in uncovering thousands of years of human history. Historically a trade of the Victorian poor, in recent years mudlarking has grown to be a popular hobby for history lovers, with licensed mudlarks uncovering many significant new finds from the Thames.
On display are a wide variety of objects found in the Thames, ranging from the beautiful and elegant to the bizarre and macabre. A medieval gold ring uncovers a centuries-old love. Whilst the discovery of a typeface unearths a bitter feud between business partners. An intricate 16th century ivory sundial tells of miraculous discovery with its two halves unearthed by different mudlarks eight years apart. Amongst other rare and incredible survivals on display include the nationally significant Iron Age Battersea Shield and a Viking era dagger personalised with the name of its owner. With over 350 mudlarked objects on show, other curiosities and everyday objects include clay pipes, 18th century false teeth, Medieval spectacles, 16th century wig curlers, and a Roman badge decorated with a phallus.
Secrets of the Thames recreates an experiential foreshore studded with cases of mudlarked objects. The exhibition includes many never-before-seen finds that have recently joined the museum’s collection, revealing the often surprising stories behind these objects that continue to inform our understanding of London.
A behind-the-scenes experience showcases how finds are recorded and researched at the museum, and insights from mudlarks themselves about how they investigate and curate their collections. An installation of The Moon by artist Luke Jerram will centre the importance of the moon and tides, which create unique conditions for mudlarks to explore the river’s banks.
Blending archaeology with contemporary art and digital experiences, Secrets of the Thames offers fresh perspectives on London and all its people – past and present.
What will you discover?
Secrets of the Thames: Mudlarking London’s lost treasures is open now until 1 March 2026.