Blue cotinga
John Hancock (1808-1890)
Category
Natural History / Taxidermy
Date
1848
Materials
Glass display dome with taxidermy Blue Cotingas
Measurements
432 mm (H); 330 mm (W)
Order this imageCollection
Cragside, Northumberland
NT 1229321
Caption
Lord Armstrong collected taxidermy and displayed his specimens in the gallery at Cragside House. Armstrong’s friend John Hancock was a celebrated local naturalist, and his pioneering work in mounting specimens in natural attitudes shocked and thrilled the Victorians. Armstrong collected a number of specimens mounted by John Hancock and also contributed liberally to the establishment of the Newcastle Museum of Natural History, which became known as the Hancock museum. The museum is now known as the Great North Museum: Hancock.
Summary
Two stuffed Blue Cotingas from South America, by John Hancock (1808-1890). Dated 1848. One bird is eating a pomegranate. Under a glass dome on a circular walnut base.
Provenance
Armstrong collection. Transferred by the Treasury to The National Trust in 1977 via the National Land Fund, aided by 3rd Baron Armstrong of Bamburgh and Cragside (1919 - 1987).
Makers and roles
John Hancock (1808-1890), taxidermist