What areas of Conchology particularly interest you?
British marine shells and uses of shells through time.
How did your interest in molluscs begin?
By coming to meetings in London and listening to older members talking about collections, groups and individual molluscs, British and foreign. In addition, going on field trips and collecting British marine molluscs in the field. I joined the Conchological Society in 1965. Since then I have been a council member several times and have written various articles for the Conchologists’ Newsletter and its successor Mollusc World.
Do you have a memorable “conchological moment”?
When I fell over a specimen of Aplysia fasciata [a Sea Hare] which I first thought was a rugby football covered in seaweed, on the sand flats at St Martin’s, isles of Scilly.
If you were marooned on a desert island and could take only one book with you what would it be and why?
If it was a Conchological book it would be “Shells, An Illustrated Guide to a Timeless and Fascinating World” by Mary Saul. I’m always dipping into it. If it was any book it would be “Food for Free” by Richard Mabey; not the two most recent editions but the 1972 version, because I’m regularly dipping into it and referring to it in all my talks.
If your house was burning down what shell (or shell related item) would you rescue first?
I would want to rescue a carved and scrimshawed gold-lipped pearl oyster which originally came from New Caledonia. It was initially scrimshawed with the most beautifully engraved French flowers but the artist was interrupted and the picture wasn’t finished. Someone else then found the shell and on the other side carved a picture of a sailing ship with Noumea in the background, including the penal colony in which both the artists were probably incarcerated. This carved picture was inscribed “P. Finbert 1879, Noumea, Nouvelle Caledonie” .
Is there a shell or mollusc that eludes you and why?
Pecten yessoensis, which is probably one of the commonest scallops in the world as it is cultured around Japan and China for food. But try and get some undamaged complete double valves...!!
Do you draw any particular inspiration from historical figures in Natural History and why?
One historical figure I draw inspiration from is J.G. Jeffreys (19th century naturalist and author of British Conchology). But two of the people who inspired me personally were A.E. Ellis and H.E.J. Biggs [see MW issue 23].
Where are your favourite locations for shell hunting?
The Channel Islands, particularly Herm; the Isles of Scilly; and the Gower Peninsula in south Wales.
Can you give us a Mollusc related joke?
Why don’t Oysters give to charity? Because they’re shellfish!
Words of advice to a budding conchologist
Don’t be put off by experts; stick at your interest and one day you’ll be one of those experts. Experts like helping other people, including youngsters, who have a similar interest even if it is to “show off” slightly.