THE STORY BEHIND THE EXHIBITS
The discovery of a remarkably complete 30cm long skull of a large flesh-eating mammal-like reptile by Sidney Rubidge in 1934 was described as a new species, Dinogorgon rubidgei, by the internationally acclaimed palaeontologist Dr Robert Broom. The find sparked an intensive and extensive search for more fossils and today the collection comprising more than 850 fossil skulls, of which 107 are holottype specimens (the reference specimens of a newly described species), is of international importance.
After nine decades of this expansive collection of ancient history (having been curated and cared for by four successive generations of Rubidge farm owners), the collection has been moved from the Rubidge farm, Wellwood in the Graaff-Reinet district, to its new home in Graaff-Reinet itself.
Through generous sponsorship, a suitable property was procured in Parsonage Street comprising two buildings dating back to 1902 which together provide the 900 square metres required for exhibition, public outreach and research purposes. The physical location of Karoo Origins in Parsonage Street is ideal as the street possesses significant heritage value.
The interior of the Centre is the superb work of the exhibition company Fancy Horse and creates a fusion of ancient life in an environment that seamlessly combines the heritage of the building with modern display cases and exhibits.
From the outset, a decision was made to display all the specimens of the Rubidge Collection. This is a different approach to most museums where many of the specimens are stored in cases which are not accessible to the public and only the most spectacular specimens are displayed. The display cases, that house the entire Rubidge Collection, have been designed to facilitate removal of specimens for research, as well as to enable easy curatorial management.
The discovery of a remarkably complete 30cm long skull of a large flesh-eating mammal-like reptile by Sidney Rubidge in 1934 was described as a new species, Dinogorgon rubidgei, by the internationally acclaimed palaeontologist Dr Robert Broom. The find sparked an intensive and extensive search for more fossils and today the collection comprising more than 850 fossil skulls, of which 107 are holotype specimens (the reference specimens of a newly described species), is of international importance.
After nine decades of this expansive collection of ancient history (having been curated and cared for by four successive generations of Rubidge farm owners), the collection has been moved from the Rubidge farm, Wellwood in the Graaff-Reinet district, to its new home in Graaff-Reinet itself.
Through generous sponsorship, a suitable property was procured in Parsonage Street comprising two buildings dating back to 1902 which together provide the 900 square metres required for exhibition, public outreach and research purposes. The physical location of Karoo Origins in Parsonage Street is ideal as the street possesses significant heritage value.
The interior of the Centre is the superb work of the exhibition company Fancy Horse and creates a fusion of ancient life in an environment that seamlessly combines the heritage of the building with modern display cases and exhibits.
From the outset, a decision was made to display all the specimens of the Rubidge Collection. This is a different approach to most museums where many of the specimens are stored in cases which are not accessible to the public and only the most spectacular specimens are displayed. The display cases, that house the entire Rubidge Collection, have been designed to facilitate removal of specimens for research, as well as to enable easy curatorial management.
Moving the collection to its new home was a big undertaking. The fossils were moved by three Karoo Origins staff over a period of 14 days. Each fossil was individually wrapped and securely packed in boxes, and each day a truck load was transported from Wellwood to Graaff-Reinet and unpacked into the newly installed exhibition cases. Careful documentation of each fossil leaving Wellwood was essential, then the repository of each specimen in the new exhibition cases was carefully recorded to enable easy retrieval of individual specimens required for research.
The relocation of the Rubidge Collection to the Centre will inspire awe and educate visitors on a world that seems unimaginable.
Moving the collection to its new home was a big undertaking. The fossils were moved by three Karoo Origins staff over a period of 14 days. Each fossil was individually wrapped and securely packed in boxes, and each day a truck load was transported from Wellwood to Graaff-Reinet and unpacked into the newly installed exhibition cases. Careful documentation of each fossil leaving Wellwood was essential, then the repository of each specimen in the new exhibition cases was carefully recorded to enable easy retrieval of individual specimens required for research.
The relocation of the Rubidge Collection to the Centre will inspire awe and educate visitors on a world that seems unimaginable.