Superb museum-worthy Victorian case of South American tropical birds. An extravagant private commission mounted by William Hope, taxidermist of 44 George Street, Edinburgh. Operating just a few doors down was ‘Small & Son’, who produced cases in a similar style to Hope, though this example is unlike either taxidermist’s normal work.
A series of branches extend from naturalistic groundwork, crammed with colourful and exciting species. Toucans and a Green Oropendola form the centre point. Hope’s paper trade labels are applied lower left and verso. The major, polished walnut case (6ft x 5ft x 1ft) is glazed and beaded on three sides. Interestingly, the backboard was replaced by Gerrard Hire Limited in 1988. The hire company was initially a sideline of Edward Gerrard & Sons, until closing in the 1960’s and prop hire became the sole business, making use of the vast collection of old specimens. Horace Owen was employed as a part-time taxidermist with Michael Jackson as his young assistant, mounting new specimens and apparently restoring old ones. At this time in London, Gerrard’s were probably the only established name still working.
Species include White-throated and Channel-billed Toucans, Green Oropendola, Lineated Woodpecker, Trogans, Red-rumped Cacique, Yellow-rumped Cacique, Spot-billed Toucanet, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Cream-coloured Woodpecker, Tropical Royal Flycatcher, Amazonian Motmots, Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, Snowy Egret, Scarlet Ibises, Variegated Tinamou, White-bearded Manakin, Puffbird, Green Kingfisher, Red-necked Woodpecker, Saffron Finches, White-plumed Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Burnished-buff Tanager, Cobalt-rumped Parrotlet, Turquoise Tanagers, Blue Dacnis, Blackpoll Warbler, Swallow Tanagers, Swallow-tailed Manakins, Chestnut-crowned Becard, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Violaceous Euphonias, Fawn-breasted Tanager, as well as over 30 Hummingbirds.
Provenance: Christie’s South Kensington 1970 and displayed in a London townhouse since that date.
Log: 720
Date: c1890
Height 183cm Width 150cm Depth 30cm
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