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...

10 items found:

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

Framed butterfly specimen, large old box framed collection of…

Framed butterfly specimen, large old box framed collection of tropical butterflies, fifteen in display, height 38 cm, width 46 cm

A framed cased display of fifteen morpho blue Cypres and other…

Morpho Blue Butterfly Display

A framed cased display of fifteen morpho blue Cypres and other butterflies, striking iridescent blue tones to many. 45 x 60 cm.

Early 19th century framed taxidermy of butterflies

Framed Butterfly Taxidermy from 19th Century

Early 19th century framed taxidermy of butterflies

Collection of taxidermy butterflies in case

Butterfly Taxidermy Collection

Collection of taxidermy butterflies in case

A framed Victorian collection of butterflies.

Victorian Butterfly Collection in Frame

A framed Victorian collection of butterflies.

Victorian butterfly, insect & beetle diorama in glass cabinet c.…

Victorian Insect Diorama in Glass Cabinet

Victorian butterfly, insect & beetle diorama in glass cabinet c.1880's

Framed butterfly diorama containing three butterflies

Tri-Butterfly Diorama

Framed butterfly diorama containing three butterflies

Framed butterfly diorama with entomological labels

Entomological Butterfly Diorama with Labels

Framed butterfly diorama with entomological labels

Small framed diorama containing beetle and butterfly species

Bug Box

Small framed diorama containing beetle and butterfly species

Diorama of butterfly specimens under glass dome, 43 cm high

Butterfly Specimen Diorama Under Glass Dome

Diorama of butterfly specimens under glass dome, 43 cm high