Abstract Arthur Smith Woodward’s wife, Maud, recorded scientific visitors invited to their home between 1894 and 1944, on an embroidered tablecloth. The tablecloth contains 342 signatures covering a 50-year period. It forms a unique and fascinating historical record including many of the great figures of late nineteenth and early twentieth century biology, geology and palaeontology from around the world. Many other professionals, amateurs and collectors are also represented.