In 2003 firstsite at The Minories hosted leading American modern artist Mark Dion’s first solo show in the UK since 1997.

Dion turns to archaeology and biology for sources, both of which have fallen under his kaleidoscopic magnifier.

Using huge creatures and fantastic visions from the natural world, Dion’s solo exhibition at The Minories explored the evolution of natural history.

Ichthyosaur

The centrepiece of the exhibition was a life-sized replica of a beached prehistoric aquatic animal, the Ichthyosaurus, with relics from the history of the natural sciences spilling from its belly.

This fishlike creature, measuring three metres in length, was considered the Tyrannosaurus Rex of the sea – and when Ichthyosaurus fossils were discovered, it prompted argument between Victorian scientists over its genealogy.