Taxidermy is the art of mounting or reproducing animals for display or study and in the past the word has been associated with large gloomy Victorian houses filled with stuffed animals.

However in recent years, taxidermy has emerged from the shadows as a collecting area in its own right and in the United Kingdom there are now dealers who deal only in taxidermy. In Victorian times, taxidermists performed a valuable service, bringing wildlife into homes and allowing the inhabitants to see real birds and mammals at close quarters. They could also create trophies to provide mementoes of a good day's fishing or hunting.

The value of taxidermy specimens is enhanced by the presence of an original label detailing when and where the specimen was obtained and by a trade label of the taxidermist, the most sought after being Rowland Ward of London.

In assessing a taxidermied specimen, the potential more...

5 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

A taxidermy male Raggiana bird of paradise, displaying on a…

Male Raggiana Bird of Paradise Taxidermy Display

A taxidermy male Raggiana bird of paradise, displaying on a twig perch in a mahogany framed case, height 63 cm, width 50 cm, depth 39 cm. Provenance: Bonhams Sydney, The Owston Collection, 26 June 2010, part of lot 1204

Large taxidermy bird of paradise in dome fine grade example of…

Raggiana Paradisae: Stunning Bird of Paradise Taxidermy

Large taxidermy bird of paradise in dome fine grade example of a Raggiana Paradisae, bird of paradise native of Papua New Guinea. This bird features a vibrant green neck yellow head, brownish red feathers and a black crest with a great plume of yellow…

Taxidermy bird of paradiseon timber stand (some losses) of a…

Rusty Red Bird of Paradise on Timber Stand

Taxidermy bird of paradiseon timber stand (some losses) of a red bird of paradise (Paradisaea rubra) displaying its beautiful rusty red feathers, and prominent brown, yellow and green neck. Mounted on timber stand, height 55 cm

Early glass dome containing taxidermied birds. 6 birds,…

Taxidermy Bird Dome with 6 Birds and Paradise Species

Early glass dome containing taxidermied birds. 6 birds, including bird of Paradise. On wooden stand. Estate late Douglas Osborne Hawke. Height 85 cm. (total)

Taxidermy bird of paradise, together with three other birds…

Vintage Glass Dome with Taxidermy Birds of Paradise

Taxidermy bird of paradise, together with three other birds housed in a vintage glass dome