A special talk by licenced mudlarker and artist Bolly May, at 'Southend Museums Collections Centre' at Beecroft Art Gallery.

We are excited to present 'Mudlarking the Thames: A Journey Through Time', an interactive talk by famed mudlarker and artist Bolly May, after hours at 'Southend Museums Collections Centre' at Beecroft Art Gallery.

Join us in the research room of our newly launched Southend Museums Collections Centre for a talk by licensed Thames mudlark Bolly May. Bolly has been mudlarking for many years, uncovering hundreds of artefacts hidden for centuries in the storied mud of the Thames. From ceramics to coins, pipes to pins, Bolly has turned over all manner of historic objects; recently, she famously discovered a rare, well preserved Tudor ring, which became the jewel in the crown of a mudlarking exhibition at London Museum Docklands.

In November's 'after hours' talk, Bolly will guide you through our river's buried history, sharing some of her most remarkable finds and the tales behind them. No boots needed, no mud required!

Doors to the Beecroft open at 6pm, with up to half an hour for exploring the gallery downstairs with a complementary glass of wine. The talk upstairs begins at 6:30pm, and the event finishes by 8pm.

Prebooking is essential. This event is 18+ only.

Southend Museums Collections Centre (SMCC) officially opened on March 7th 2026. Located on the 2nd floor of the Beecroft Art Gallery building, SMCC offers the community special, previously impossible access to the entire archaeology and social history collections, and a behind-the-scenes look into museum curation, conservation and research work. For researcher access, enquiries and private bookings please contact us at museums@southend.gov.uk.

Description supplied by the event organiser.