Taxidermy Art is still a choice of many in their interior design. It adds a touch of nature, and a popular decorative accessory and is often seen hanging on walls, standing on shelves and placed in the centre of coffee tables.
In part, thanks to shows like Game of Thrones & Vikings, but also the dark, moody and macabre interior styles that have been a feature of late.
Once a signature element of traditional country style, taxidermy now has a place in contemporary homes and can work within various interiors from Scandinavian to Industrial.
The more unusual the taxidermy, like snakes, zebra, lizards, makes a more macabre space. The use of deer antlers or bird taxidermy for instance crows and pheasants, will inject a striking and theatrical element.
Of course, it’s not for everyone. Whether you adore it or loathe it, they sure are a talking point!
We have built up a large, varied collection of taxidermy:
Ingrid Houwers
However, if it is done well, Taxidermy Art is an outstanding depiction of a moment in time. We have been lucky enough to work with top taxidermist, Ingrid Houwers over the years. Ingrid created and supplied coyotes, game and antlers for top worldwide shows such as Game of Thrones. She has helped us restore several older pieces for the shop and identify makers or the age of some of the animals.
We discovered that most of what we have is dated from 1940s-1990s. The more recent pieces and larger animals such as the Stag’s and deer are French or German. Though, we do have a few Victorian taxidermy birds over 100 years old!
We spoke to her about her craft and she explained a bit more behind the art of Taxidermy;
“The quality has vastly improved over the decades. Modern taxidermy is now being reconstructed to the finest of details.”
When we discussed the fact that there is sometimes a backlash against this style she reminded us of one of the benefits…
“When would you ever get to get up close and touch an exotic or wild animal; to see the beauty of the fur or feathers; a bushy fox tail or serpent skin? Pretty rarely, if at all. And for those that are visually impaired, never! For them, in order to ‘see’ rare animals, the only way is to touch them.”
Like ‘em or loathe ‘em, the Art of Taxidermy is a craft that has a long tradition of adding one of a kind oddities to interiors over the generations.
The kind that are special, unique, a little eccentric and unexpected!