Artofficial Owner’s Words of Caution for Would-be Fossil Hunters

The owner of Leeds-based graffiti supply store Artoffical, Brett Thomson, has provided some words of warning for British fossil hunters after running foul of legal loopholes.

Brett – who has been a graffiti artist for over 20 years and who goes by the moniker ‘Bretski’ – recently made the fossil discovery of a lifetime, but has found holding onto his find harder than he thought.

Combing a Yorkshire beach for interesting objects, Brett discovered a fossilised walrus skull – now known to be 140,000 years old. The specimen – from the species Obodenus rosmarus – could well be the oldest fossilised example of its species ever found. Contacting museums, Brett soon found a local museum which was interested in his find, and they promptly asked if he could bring it in for examination. Handing over the fossilised skull, Brett was informed that many scientists from around the world were interested in his find. Soon, the museum was expressing an interest in trying to find additional parts of the skeleton and Brett provided them with the location of his discovery.

It was at this point, however, that things went awry. Failing to tell Brett, as agreed, when they were going to continue the search, the museum soon contacted Brett and told him there were no other fossils at the site. Exploring for himself, Brett found additional bones and, subsequently, found out the value of his discovery could be more than £70,000. It was then that the museum informed Brett that he could not have the fossil back, adding that he should have sought permission from the landowner – which turned out to be Haven – before removing the fossil.

Although the find has been shared on TV, Brett has not been officially credited for the discovery by the museum. Drawing from this experience, Brett would like to caution other fossil hunters to consider land ownership and other legal factors before removing any of their finds. Facing potential fines and other legal ramifications, Brett implores hunters of mineral, crystals and fossils to thoroughly research the area they visit and establish their rights before removing anything.

He says, “Obviously my experience was very disappointing. The skull I found is a once-in-a-lifetime find, and it’s sad that the outcome has been less than satisfactory. But I want to use the experience to help others know their rights when they’re out looking for these things.

“I don’t care about the monetary factor. It’s more the fact that I handed over the find in good faith and then found out about the other legal

considerations. I’d advise people to get their ducks in a row and know everything they need to about the area they’re in before they find anything. Hopefully, this will help others have a better outcome than my own experience.

“I feel like I have been utterly swept aside and as the finder of such a key piece, that’s a very bitter pill to swallow. I’m very annoyed at the way that I have been treated by the museum who I don’t feel were honest with me from the start. I deserve to be credited for my find. I think that way I have been treated will discourage others from handing in important finds and drive history underground.”

The story is already gathering pace on social media with many Facebook users commenting on Haven’s own post in support of Brett. View Haven’s announcement and Facebook’s reaction here: https://www.facebook.com/322556204465058/posts/1809005445820119/