Geoffrey Munn, OBE, MVO, FSA in conversation with Mudlarker Dr Alessio Checonni, FSA.

The Secrets of the Thames – Geoffrey Munn, OBE, MVO, FSA in conversation with Mudlarker Dr Alessio Checonni, FSA.

The Maas Gallery, 6 Duke Street, St James’s, London SW1 by kind permission of Rupert Maas.

Thursday 1st October 2026 welcome drinks at 6.45pm talk starts at 7pm.

Cost: £20; Guest price: £25 all proceeds go to the BADA Friends charity.

Over the years mud larking on the shores of the Thames has become increasingly popular and the history behind the many items found give an insight into the life of this busy river. I am delighted that our BADA Friends Chairman Geoffrey Munn will be ‘in conversation’ with licensed mud larker, geologist, palaeontologist, and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries Dr Alessio Checconi.

Geoffrey Munn is a jewellery specialist, historian and writer but is probably best known as a television presenter on the BBC Antiques Roadshow. His first and only permanent position has been with the court jewellers Wartski which he joined at 19. It is from this old established firm that his expertise in art and antiques is derived, and his foremost specialty is nineteenth century jewellery and especially the work of the famous Russian goldsmith Carl Fabergé.

Based in London, Dr Checconi spends his free time exploring the muddy foreshore of the River Thames during low tides, in search of ancient artefacts. A prehistoric flint blade, a Roman hairpin, a medieval pilgrim badge or a child’s leather shoe. Simple objects become unlikely storytellers, revealing long forgotten anecdotes of Londoners past.

Since Dr Checconi began mudlarking he has found thousands of artefacts that once belonged to ordinary people and in researching their stories, he came to realise that history isn’t shaped solely by kings and emperors. It is also written by countless everyday lives, people just like us, who left so many quiet traces behind.

I am delighted that Rupert Maas has kindly allowed the BADA Friends to host this special evening at his gallery in St James’s. If you love London and its fascinating and diverse history, then this evening is one you should not miss.

Description supplied by the event organiser.