Basking Shark Collection

Squalus maximus, Basking shark taken at Brighton 5 Dec 1812
Watercolour and ink

A most stupendous basking shark caught within one league of
Advertising flyer for the public exhibition in London of a basking shark caught in Brighton

RF- Rear view of Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) feeding on plankton, visible as white dots on water surface near island of Coll, Inner Hebrides, Scotland, UK. June

Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) feeding on plankton in surface waters close to the island of Coll, Inner Hebrides. Scotland, UK. Atlantic Ocean. June

Basking sharks in the aquarium, Loro Parque, Tenerife, Canary Islands, 2007. Loro Parque is a zoo located on the outskirts of Puerto de la Cruz

Basking shark
Hand-drawn graphite and watercolour wash depicting side view of head of Basking shark transported from Brighton to London. 10th Dec 1812. Date: 1812

Basking shark, 19th century artwork C016 / 6210
Basking shark (Squalus maximus). Artwork of a basking shark that beached at Brighton, UK on the 5th Dec 1812. the shark was transported to London and exhibited there. It measured 9.5 metres in length

Basking shark, 19th century artwork C016 / 6211
Basking shark (Squalus maximus). Artwork of a basking shark that beached at Brighton, UK on the 5th Dec 1812 being transported on a horse-drawn carrige

Basking shark, 19th century artwork C016 / 6213
Basking shark (Squalus maximus). Artwork of the head of a basking shark that beached at Brighton, UK on the 5th Dec 1812. The shark was transported to London and exhibited there

Horses being used to transport a Basking shark from Brighton
Hand-drawn graphite and watercolour wash depicting the horses used to transport a Basking shark from North Audley Street, Brighton to London on a carriage pulled by 12 horses. 10th Dec 1812

Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) feeding on plankton, Hebrides, Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe

Dorsal fins at the surface, telltale signs of the giant basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), Coll, Inner Hebrides, Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe

Basking sharks
Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus). This filter feeding shark can grow up to eight metres long, making it the worlds second largest shark (after the whale shark)

Basking shark, diver at tail (Cetorhinus maximus)
Tom Campbell / SplashdownDirect

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The basking shark, scientifically known as Squalus maximus, is a magnificent creature that has captivated the attention of many throughout history. One notable sighting occurred on December 5th, 1812 in Brighton when a basking shark was taken. This particular specimen was described as "a most stupendous basking shark caught within one league of" the area. These gentle giants are often seen feeding on plankton, with their impressive size and unique features visible from different angles. A rear view of a basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) showcases its feeding behavior as it engulfs vast amounts of plankton. In Scotland's Inner Hebrides, specifically close to the island of Coll in the Atlantic Ocean, these magnificent creatures can be observed feasting on plankton in surface waters during June. The sight is truly awe-inspiring and highlights their importance in maintaining marine ecosystems. Even in captivity at places like Loro Parque in Tenerife, Canary Islands back in 2007, people had the opportunity to witness these incredible animals up close. Basking sharks swimming gracefully through aquariums served as a reminder of their beauty and significance. Artwork from the 19th century further immortalizes these majestic beings. Paintings such as C016/6210, C016/6211, and C016/6213 depict various scenes featuring basking sharks - showcasing both their grandeur and artistic inspiration they have provided over time. Interestingly enough, horses were once used to transport a captured basking shark from Brighton. This historical practice demonstrates not only how massive these creatures can be but also how much fascination they have sparked among humans for centuries.