World Premiere Of Rare Late Jurassic Predator - Possibly A New Dinosaur Species - From David Aaron At Hollytrees Museum

A 154-million-year-old fossil that may be the key to discovering a new dinosaur species is on public display for the first time at Hollytrees Museum.

COLCHESTER, ESSEX, UNITED KINGDOM, April 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- On display now until 1 November 2027, the fossil was excavated in 2020 from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation in Wyoming. Initial palaeontological inspection of the fossil indicated similarities to Allosaurus or Marshosaurus, but the differing anatomy of the ‘Juliasaurus’ means further research is required to determine whether the fossil represents a new species.

London-based natural history and antiquities gallery David Aaron sold the fossil, nicknamed ‘Juliasaurus’, to a private collector in 2024 and has been instrumental in facilitating the loan of the specimen to the Museum.

What is remarkable about this specimen is the completeness of the fossil and the potential for new paleontological discoveries. Research into the specimen could provide fresh insights into the evolution of carnivorous dinosaurs, along with determining the species of ‘Juliasaurus’. The display at Colchester will coincide with the opportunity to undertake scientific research into the fossil for the first time.

‘Juliasaurus’ is an incredible example of a medium-sized theropod measuring six metres in length and weighing around 600 kilograms. The fossil comes from the mostly carnivorous theropod dinosaur group and predates its distant relative, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, by roughly 90 million years.

This presentation marks the first time a dinosaur has been displayed in Colchester, bringing an impressive prehistoric predator to Essex for dinosaur lovers to experience in their local area.

Salomon Aaron, Director, David Aaron said: “David Aaron is honoured to be a part of the world premiere display of this world-class and potentially groundbreaking dinosaur. This specimen is one of the most important dinosaur fossils to have been discovered in North America in recent years, and the collaboration with Hollytrees Museum has the potential to discover an entirely new species. It’s been wonderful collaborating with the Colchester Museums team, an exemplary regional Museum who work tirelessly to enrich their community.”

Pippa Pickles, Manager, Colchester Museums, said: “This dinosaur has not been publicly displayed anywhere else in the world, so it is a wonderful and exciting opportunity to view this 6.2-metre-long specimen in the Georgian mansion. The remarkable specimen of Juliasaurus, which may be a new species, further highlights that this globally significant Morrison Formation still has secrets left to discover.”

Scientific discovery plays an important role in David Aaron’s display and sale of dinosaur fossils, with significant breakthroughs in recent years serving to further the scientific community’s understanding of prehistoric specimens.

David Aaron was involved in the 2025 discovery of a new species, the Enigmacursor, a dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period, 152–145 million years ago. Upon acquiring the fossil, David Aaron presented the specimen to the Natural History Museum, who identified the potential for a new discovery. The gallery identified a generous private benefactor to purchase and donate the fossil to the Museum, enabling the scientific revelation. Previously considered a Nanosaurus, researchers at the Museum confirmed that the fossil was a new species of two-legged herbivore.

‘Juliasaurus’ will be on display in the ‘Discover’ Museum Wonders exhibition from 3 April 2026 to 1 November 2027 at Hollytrees Museum, Colchester. The exhibition will be ticketed. For more information visit the Hollytrees Museum website: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/hollytrees-museum

Discover more about David Aaron’s display of natural history: www.davidaaron.com/natural-history-art-gallery

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Notes to the editor:

In 2025 David Aaron celebrated 115 years in business since its founding in 1910. In the 1920s, the business expanded to Egypt with a second showroom and rose to prominence internationally. In 1980, the gallery relocated to London, and in 1998, Soleiman’s youngest son, David Aaron, established his own gallery on Berkeley Square in Mayfair.

Now managed by the fourth generation of the Aaron family, the gallery specialises in antiquities including Classical Greek and Roman, Egyptian, Near Eastern, and early Islamic civilisations, as well as important items of natural history including complete dinosaur fossils.

David Aaron regularly exhibits at major international fairs, and over the past century has helped major museums and private collectors to acquire and research important antiquities and dinosaur fossils.

Bonnie Horne
David Aaron Ltd
+44 7423 435579
pr@davidaaron.com
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