Interview with the Isle of Thanet News
Have you had to do much work to get it in an appropriate lay-out for your museum?
We’ve had to do some extensive redesigning of the space to accommodate the exhibits and to allow us to take visitors on a journey from early life on earth up to the modern day.
What sort of exhibits will people be able to see?
Visitors can expect everything from evolutionary history and marine biology to philosophy, history, the climate emergency and much more. It’s also the only place in the world where you can learn about the forgotten and scandalous story of the Margate crab.
Are you guys all living in Thanet?
Two thirds of the team at Crab Museum were born and raised in Margate, the third is from Canvey Island off of Essex, so he understands the extreme whimsy of the estuarine lifestyle.
How did the idea first come up?
Crabs have always been a fascination for us, but what is remarkable is the many directions that a crab can take you. You can use crabs to talk about everything from global politics to fidget spinners.
Do you see a market for it?
Of course, Margate was famous for its eccentric seaside attractions long before it was an artistic retreat for London’s struggling socialites. We like to think that Crab Museum will give a 21st century nod to the donkey rides of yesteryear, and our combination of humour and science will inject a little bit of unexpected fun into an often overlooked area of marine biology.
How is it funded?
The museum is privately funded from our own, now severely depleted savings. We are NOT funded by Shell, Texaco, Esso or BP as some salacious rumours have suggested.
I read the bios for you guys, how did you meet?
We can’t remember exactly where or when we met, but it probably has something to do with crustaceans.
What is the thing that fascinates you about crabs?
Crabs are amazing - they are tiny, huge, cute, scary, vulnerable, indestructible and millions of years old all at the same time. They affect all of our lives in ways many of us don’t even realise - from maintaining the oceans, to helping us with important new medicines.
Will there be any staff? When are you hoping to open roughly?
We are hoping to open this year and expand our team when possible, claws crossed.
If you could tell people one thing to encourage them to come and visit you when the doors are open, what would it be?
If you’ve got even a passing interest in crabs, the environment, or the future of humanity then Crab Museum is the place for you. If you don’t enjoy your visit you can have your money back, or at least you could if we charged admission, which we don’t.
