What is a natural history display?

A natural history display is an arrangement of preserved animal specimens, plants, minerals or fossils housed within protective glass cases, domes or wooden cabinets. These collections were originally assembled for scientific study, education and domestic decoration during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

How should I care for taxidermy?

Taxidermy specimens require protection from direct sunlight, high humidity and temperature fluctuations to prevent feather fading, cracking skin and glue deterioration. Dust glass exteriors gently with a soft cloth and avoid opening sealed cases to preserve the internal microclimate established for the specimens.

How do I date a display case?

Dating relies upon construction methods, timber types, glass manufacture techniques and original trade labels pasted inside or beneath the base. Hand-blown glass, ebonised wood finishes and handwritten ink identification labels typically point to nineteenth-century manufacture. Later pieces often feature machine-drawn sheet glass, simpler pine or oak framing and printed paper labels detailing the taxidermist establishment.

Where were these pieces displayed?

Victorian and Edwardian households placed these displays in parlours, libraries and studies as conversation pieces that demonstrated an interest in science and exploration. Schools and museums also utilised educational taxidermy and teaching models for classroom instruction and public exhibition.