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Book launch brings local Jurassic predator to life
Thirty years after the discovery of the prehistoric remains of Pliosaurus, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery has published Is That Doris?, a children’s book that brings the fearsome Jurassic predator to life.
The official launch of the book took place at the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Tuesday, with the attendance of the creative force behind the project.
In 1994, a significant discovery was made in Wiltshire when a new species of pliosaur, Pliosaurus carpenteri, was unearthed in a clay pit by the collector Simon Carpenter, after whom the species was named.
is needed now More than ever
However, the discovery was the result of a concerted effort by a team from Bristol Museum and the University of Bristol, who spent the summer carefully digging up the fossils. The monumental task took museum preparator Roger Vaughan some ten years to fully reveal the fossilised bones.
Life size model of Dorris the dinosaur is suspended in the rear hall of Bristol Museum – photo: Milan Perera
The book was edited by Jane Hack, learning manager at Bristol Museums, and illustrated by local artist Tilia Rand-Bell.
Expert input from geology curator Deborah Hutchinson ensured the accuracy of the book’s portrayal of the pliosaur and its era. With funding from Arts Council England, the book is published by Bristol Books.
Jane Hack said: “I am thrilled to see Is That Doris? in print and just in time for Christmas. It’s a lovingly created book that introduces children to animals from the Jurassic age, when Doris was a huge predator of the seas, and the discovery of the pliosaur fossil 150 million years later near Bristol.”
“I hope children will enjoy the story and that it helps inspire a love of paleontology and scientific discovery. This has been an amazing team effort, and a special thank you must go to the Friends of Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives, who funded the printing of the first edition of this special book.”
Is That Doris? brings the story of a local Jurassic predator to a younger audience – photo: Milan Perera
Doris, the model of the pliosaur featured in the 2017 exhibition, remains a central figure at the museum, suspended in the rear hall for visitors to admire.
The model was painstakingly constructed by local model maker Tone Hitchcock, whose works regularly appear on the sets of BBC and Netflix dramas. Hitchcock expressed his delight at the project that brought Doris to life.
Local model designer Tone Hitchcock painstakingly bringing Doris to life – photo: Milan Perera
Speaking to Bristol24/7, Hitchcock said: “I’ve done a lot of work for Bristol Museum. I painted the Ichthyosaurus upstairs and made a replica skull of Ichthyosaurus as well. I’ve always been obsessed with natural history and paleontology. Having the chance to make this was a dream come true.”
The life size model measures 8m in length while the skull alone is the size of a grown human.
Is That Doris? aims to introduce children to the world of paleontology, focusing on the fascinating creatures that roamed the seas during the Jurassic period.
The book is now being sent to all primary schools and public libraries in Bristol, with copies also available for purchase in the museum’s shop.
In addition, a Doris-themed soft toy has been released, making it a perfect gift for the holiday season. All proceeds from both the book and the toy will support the museum’s educational programs.
Doris and the creators of “Is That Doris?” during the launch at Bristol Museum – photo: Milan Perera
To celebrate the holiday season, the museum is hosting Dance with Doris silent discos from December 14–22 (14, 15, 19, 20, 21 and 22), providing a fun, family-friendly event. The museum also offers discounted bundles of the book, toy, and tickets for these events.
For further information, visit www.bristolmuseums.org.uk
Main photo: Milan Perera
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