Dead Plover
John Hancock (1808-1890)
Category
Natural History / Taxidermy
Date
1851
Materials
Glass display dome with taxidermy Plover
Measurements
280 mm (H); 370 mm (W)
Order this imageCollection
Cragside, Northumberland
NT 1229339
Caption
Hancock was particularly upset by the everyday carnage of wild birds in the 19th century and campaigned vigorously for protection and more enlightened attitudes. He set up a number of dead birds as poignant displays, intended to tug at sentimental Victorian heartstrings. This grey plover is one example. A group of dead grouse and a dying gull being attended by its distressed mate were two of the tableau that he showed at the Great Exhibition in 1851.
Summary
Stuffed Plover ('Dead Plover'), by John Hancock (1809-1890). Dated 1851. This item may be one of Hancock's Great Exhibition exhibits, as it bears a label reading "no. 7". Under a glass dome on a circular 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