Kendall House Antiques Ltd. has dated this Victorian Cased Taxidermy Curlew to the 1900s.
His trade label pasted to rear of case reads ‘Mounted by CHARLES KIRK Artist in Taxidermy 156 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow’. Circa 1900.
Provenance: Fresh to the market, from a long-standing institution or public collection where it has been for the majority of its life, dusty but safe, and in remarkable original condition. Pasted to a glass side panel is a sticker ‘Case 4 Curlew’
Height 72cm Width 120cm Depth 33.5cm
KIRK OF GLASGOW:
Charles Kirk initially took an apprenticeship with Rowland Ward of London, later returning home, aged 22 in 1894, to build one of the largest and best-known taxidermy stores in Scotland. An intelligent and articulate man, with a fine reputation as a field naturalist and photographer. His photographs of birds in flight were regarded as unique in their day, his knowledge in this area of ornithology being evident in the successful modelling of this enigmatic Curlew in flight, that we have for sale here.
Charles died suddenly in 1922, aged just 50. The following is an extract from Kirk’s obituary:
‘During the period of training the genius inherent in the man was powerfully demonstrated on several occasions. As an exponent of the art of taxidermy his fame was established, and examples of his superb work adorn many public and private collections both at home and abroad. Accuracy of detail and setting was one of the many outstanding features pertaining to all Mr Kirk’s work, particularly with regard to groups of birds reproduced in their natural surroundings. In this class of work, he was undoubtedly peerless, and by the critic and connoisseur was regarded as a veritable Rembrandt of his profession.’
Powerful words indeed, but these attributes can clearly be seen in this fine case.
For more information on this remarkable taxidermist see my new book ‘The Collector’ by Robert Chinnery which will be available at our book launch being held at Tennants ‘Natural History & Taxidermy’ auction on 11th November. Pre orders now being taken 07880 60271.
Kendall House Antiques Ltd. has dated this Victorian Cased Taxidermy Curlew to the 1900s.
Kendall house antiques a traditional shop in the north cotswold’s market town of chipping campden.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Kendall House Antiques Ltd. Profile Page
Victorian Taxidermy- Curlew in Flight by Kirk of Glasgow
