Mudlarking & world trade with Alessio Checconi

Drawing on years of mudlarking in central London and combining his academic expertise in geology, palaeontology and archaeology, Alessio reveals how everyday finds can illuminate centuries of global exchange.

From German stoneware and Venetian glass to Chinese porcelain and Southeast Asian shells, these intriguing artefacts tell stories of import, export and human connection across continents, revealing how the Thames foreshore was already strewn with evidence of a globalised world long before the age of container ships.

Following the talk, there will be a 15-minute Q&A and an opportunity to view some of the historic artefacts discussed up close.

This talk forms part of our mudlarking weekend – a series of events celebrating London’s rich riverside heritage.