Born: 1906 (Glasgow, Scotland)
Biography:
Joan Mabel Frederica du Plat Taylor, born on June 26, 1906, in Glasgow, Scotland, was a trailblazing British archaeologist whose pioneering work in underwater nautical archaeology revolutionized the field. Joan’s parents were Colonel St. John Louis Hyde du Plat Taylor and Alice Home-Purves, and her grandfather was Colonel John Lowther du Plat Taylor CB VD. Despite not having any formal training, she emerged as one of the first maritime archaeologists.
From 1931 to 1939, Joan served as the Assistant Curator at the Cyprus Museum, where she made significant archaeological discoveries. Notably, she excavated a Late Bronze Age mining site at Apliki and a temple from the same period in Myrtou-Pigades. Her time in Cyprus laid the foundation for her future endeavors in underwater archaeology.
Joan’s passion for nautical archaeology led her to explore shipwrecks and uncover their historical significance. In 1960, she co-directed an excavation of an ancient shipwreck at Cape Gelidonya, a project she undertook alongside George Bass. Their work at Cape Gelidonya marked a turning point in nautical archaeology, as they campaigned to bring this field into the academic fold.
Recognizing the importance of including amateurs in archaeology, Joan founded and became the first president of the Nautical Archaeology Society. She firmly believed that individuals outside the academic sphere could make valuable contributions to the field. To educate and encourage amateur archaeologists, she established systems that promoted their involvement and ensured their contributions were recognized.
Joan’s commitment to promoting nautical archaeology extended beyond her direct involvement in fieldwork. She played a pivotal role in founding the Council for Nautical Archaeology in 1964, an organization that aimed to advance research and preservation efforts in the field. Additionally, she served as the founder editor of the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology (IJNA) from 1972 to 1980, providing a platform for scholars and professionals to share their research and advancements.
Notably, Joan du Plat Taylor recognized the importance of funding and supporting nautical archaeological research. To this end, she personally funded a grant for the publication of nautical archaeological research, ensuring that important findings and discoveries were disseminated to a wider audience. Her dedication to funding research and promoting scholarly communication has had a lasting impact on the field.
Joan Mabel Frederica du Plat Taylor’s groundbreaking contributions to underwater nautical archaeology have left an indelible mark on the discipline. Through her excavations, publications, and advocacy for amateur involvement, she brought maritime archaeology to the forefront of academic and public consciousness. Her legacy lives on through the Joan du Plat Taylor Award, given by the Nautical Archaeology Society, which continues to recognize outstanding contributions to the field.
Awards:
– Joan du Plat Taylor Award (ongoing)