Lamniform Collection

Sharks teeth
Tooth of an extinct shark (Carcharodon megalodon) on the right, compared with a tooth from a modern Great White shark, (Carcharodon carcharias) on the left

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

Tonguestone (sharks tooth) with lateral denticles
Tooth of the extinct shark (Lamna obliqua Agassiz). Specimen orgininating from the London Clay (Eocene), Sheppey, Kent

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

This Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) was photographed off Guadalupe Island, Mexico; Guadalupe Island, Mexico

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

Carcharodon carcharias, great white shark jaw bones
Specimen of the jaw bones of a great white shark. This species can be found in temperate coastal waters the world over and can grow up to 6m in length

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

Fossil sand tiger shark teeth C016 / 5551
Fossil sand tiger shark teeth (Odontaspis robusta). Anterior teeth (tall, slender) and lateral teeth (triangular) are shown. Found in Early Eocene rocks, Abbey Wood, Kent

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

Carcharodon carcharias, great white shark
Specimen of the jaw bones of a great white shark. This species can be found in temperate coastal waters the world over and can grow up to 6m in length

Lamna nasus, porbeagle shark
Specimen of a porbeagle sharks head on the dissection table outside the Tank Room of the Darwin Centre, at the Natural History Museum, London

Various specimens
Specimen jars containing various sea and land creatures

Isurus oxyrinchus, shortfin mako shark
Specimen jar containing the head of a shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), held at the Darwin Centre at the Natural History Museum. London

Isurus oxyrinchus, mako shark
Scanning Electron Microscope image of mako shark skin

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The lamniform, scientifically known as Squalus maximus, is a fascinating creature that has captured the attention of many throughout history. One notable encounter with this species took place on December 5th, 1812, when a Basking shark was sighted and documented in Brighton. The Tonguestone found alongside its tooth revealed intricate lateral denticles, adding to the allure of these sharks' teeth. Sharks' teeth have always been a subject of fascination for their unique characteristics and impressive size. Among them is the Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), which was photographed off Guadalupe Island in Mexico. This magnificent specimen showcases the power and beauty of these apex predators. In the 19th century, artists were captivated by the majestic presence of Basking sharks. Their artwork immortalized these creatures in pieces such as C016 / 6210, C016 / 6211, and C016 / 6213. These paintings serve as reminders of our enduring curiosity about marine life. Even fossils tell tales of ancient sharks like the sand tiger shark whose teeth can be found preserved in sedimentary layers (Fossil sand tiger shark teeth C016 / 5551). These remnants offer glimpses into prehistoric oceans and remind us how far back these incredible creatures date. Whether it's encountering a massive Basking shark just one league away from shore or admiring artistic interpretations from centuries ago or even studying fossilized remains – each glimpse into the world of lamniforms leaves us awestruck by their magnificence and reminds us why they continue to fascinate scientists and enthusiasts alike.