The Swindon Crocodile Returns. Though known as, and loved by, generations of Swindonians as a crocodile, this exhibit is in fact, a gharial. Swindon’s gharial has an interesting backstory and you can find that here: https://swindonian.me/2021/08/14/swindons-famous-crocodile/

Every museum has an iconic exhibit that is synonomous with it. An emblem if you like. The Louvre has the Mona Lisa, the Natural History Museum has its diplodocus and Swindon Museum has its croc.

I’d argue that Swindon has three such touchstones for various generations of Swindonians – most of whom hold fond memories of one or all of the the following:

1. Milton Road baths – the small pool in particular.
2. The Oasis pleasure dome
3. The gharial – held in HUGE affection
   

Apparently, a certain Conservative Cllr once commented on how the gharial was of no consequence, relevance or importance to Swindon. He also commented that no part of the Oasis’ architecture was important and no part of it warranted being listed. But he was wrong. About the Oasis and about the gharial. If for no other reason than the huge affection in which it’s held – it matters. Memories/associations – these things MATTER. To dismiss such things so summarily is symptomatic of recognising the cost of everything and the value of nothing – in other words – philistinism.

Thus it was not for nothing that the Save our Museum and Art Gallery campaign (following the failure of the Tory administration to reopen the place post Covid – and no I’m not letting it go) have the slogan ‘Save our Croc’ and a croc image for its campaign.

When the Labour administration resurrected the museum and art gallery last year in the civic offices, pretty much the first question on everyone’s lips was ‘is the crocodile back?’ Well, it’s taken a while, and for good reason, but she’s back now. And she looks magnificent.

Restoration and providing context

Having been around the collections for a good ninety years, the poor-old croc looked a croc – as it were. So much-needed restoration was the first thing for Museum and Art Swindon to tackle.

Then came deciding how best to display her. So recent weeks and months have involved working with schools on putting the gharial into context with colonialism, our relationship with the natural world and more – gharials are now almost extinct.

A sneak peek

As a committee member of the Friends of Museum and Art Swindon, getting a sneak peek of the newly-installed gharial was fab. I won’t lie, I wasn’t at all sure that she should be put in a case – but now I see it all – it looks terrific. The museum staff have done a great job of putting together a fitting display and exhibition for the gharial. It’s just lovely to see her home again. And – I’d forgotten how bloody big it is! It’s huuuuuuge.

And in time for half-term too. Jim Robbins, our great and glorious leader, in his speech observed that families will be visiting next week to see the Swindon croc. Well, if they can find the place they will. Signage would help no end. #JustSaying