THE life and work of eminent town geologist Sir Archibald Geikie (1835-1924) – who helped save Haslemere Museum in perpetuity – are celebrated in a joint publication by the museum, drawing on its archive, with the Geological Society.

Museum geologist John Betterton has worked on the archive since 2004 and his outstanding contribution to a better understanding and preservation is reflected in his three seminal contributions to the definitive work now on sale in the shop for the special price of £50.

Robert Neller, collections officer at Haslemere Museum, has also assisted with the research, development and management of the archive since 1995.

Co-editor the late John Mendum of the British Geological Survey was pivotal in deciding the nature and scope of the publication

Special guests at Saturday’s book launch were Geikie’s great-grandaughter Katherine Cowell, who also gave a speech, other family members, high-profile Natural History Museum and Geological Society representatives, and contributors.

Several other people gave speeches, including museum chairman Alan Perry, Richard Fortey, Professor Emeritus at the Natural History Museum and a Haslemere Museum patron, John Talbot, Vice President of the Geological Society, and Katherine Cowell, great-granddaughter of Sir Archibald Geikie.