About Stuart

Assistant Curator of Geology, based at the Yorkshire Museum

Background

I spent my school days in Carlisle before going to Hull Univesity to read geology. I cut my museological teeth at Carlisle Museum before moving to York where I have worked in both the geology and biology departments.

Interests

I find most aspects of my subject interesting, but I am particularly interested in Yorkshire geology and landscape. Recently, through working on the collections, I have developed an interest in moths.

Outside of work I am a keen walker and birder. I am also an ardent football fan supporting Carlisle United and Scotland.

Why I wanted to be a curator

My first job in a museum was on a temporary employment scheme. Shortly after starting it I realised that working as a curator allowed me to work with the very best material and also allowed me to keep in contact with the cutting edge of my specialist discipline.

Favourite part of my job

Working with the collections and creating exhibitions that are capable of exciting the public.

Favourite museum object

My favourite museum specimen would have to be Archeaopteryx, the fossil bird. I was lucky enough to examine it at close quarters. Not only is it a stunning specimen but it is one of the few fossils that are truly deserving of iconic status. It shows features that are both bird-like and also common to dinosaurs.

Historical idol

I would have to say John Muir. He emigrated to America with his parents in 1849 and travelled widely, both in America and also elsewhere in the world. He developed a deep and abiding love of wilderness areas and went on to help found the Yosemite National Park and several other parks as well. Few people have written more eloquently about the wild places of our planet. The conservation ethics he proposed are still relevant today.

Proudest moment

Probably receiving my degree, I felt I had thoroughly earned it.

Strangest request

I was once asked to capture one of the Museum Gardens peacocks that had made its way into a car showroom. The staff were absolutely petrified of it and wouldn't offer any assistance. Consequently it took quite a time to catch it!