Decision
Analysis
outcome: Recommendations Approved
summary: The decision involves acquiring a rhino molar specimen from Red Crag deposits for Ipswich Museum's internationally significant collection.
topline: The Officer Decision has decided to acquire a rare rhino molar specimen for Ipswich Museum's collection.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves the acquisition of a rare specimen and potential display value, which could spark debate among stakeholders.
affected_stakeholders: ["Ipswich Museum staff", "Arts Council England", "Local community members interested in paleontology"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.ipswich.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1372
Decision Maker: Officer Decision
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose: Ipswich Museum has been offered a rhino molar from Red Crag deposits from East Lane, Bawdsey. Ipswich Museums’ Red Crag material has been recognised as being internationally significant and awarded Designation status by Arts Council England. This specimen comes with full provenance data and has significant research value including research into diet, ecology and evolution through fostering detailed measurements and shape analysis (including mesowear) and study of scratch patterns (microwear). This specimen is significant for the following reasons: • Red Crag, which is the only UK exposure recording the Pliocene-Pleistocene transition. • Mammal material from the Red Crag is extremely rare • The specimen complements our existing collection of rhino molars • It is rare example of contemporary collecting of this type of material • Has significant research potential, and potential display value. How does it meet Collections Development Policy: 5.11.1 Collecting will focus on two areas which are recognised as being of national significance: Coralline Crag, Red Crag and Norwich Crag fossils, and periglacial and interglacial (Ice Age) fossils.
Content: Ipswich Museum has been offered a rhino molar from Red Crag deposits from East Lane, Bawdsey. Ipswich Museums’ Red Crag material has been recognised as being internationally significant and awarded Designation status by Arts Council England. This specimen comes with full provenance data and has significant research value including research into diet, ecology and evolution through fostering detailed measurements and shape analysis (including mesowear) and study of scratch patterns (microwear). This specimen is significant for the following reasons: • Red Crag, which is the only UK exposure recording the Pliocene-Pleistocene transition. • Mammal material from the Red Crag is extremely rare • The specimen complements our existing collection of rhino molars • It is rare example of contemporary collecting of this type of material • Has significant research potential, and potential display value. How does it meet Collections Development Policy: 5.11.1 Collecting will focus on two areas which are recognised as being of national significance: Coralline Crag, Red Crag and Norwich Crag fossils, and periglacial and interglacial (Ice Age) fossils. To acquire the Red Crag molar specimen. Reason: Collecting will focus on two areas which are recognised as being of national significance: Coralline Crag, Red Crag and Norwich Crag fossils, and periglacial and interglacial (Ice Age) fossils.
Date of Decision: May 13, 2025