Taxidermy display
Thomas Mutlow Williams
Category
Natural History / Taxidermy
Date
Unknown
Materials
Glass domed display case with taxidermy cotinga, honeycreeper, humming bird and assorted birds
Measurements
740 mm (Height) x 254 mm (Depth); 474 mm (Length)
Place of origin
Oxford Street
Order this imageCollection
Wallington, Northumberland
NT 583325
Caption
T.M. Williams was a prominent London taxidermist with a shop in Oxford Street. He was one of the 13 British taxidermists who showed their work at the Great Exhibition in 1851. He also trained Henry Ward, father of Rowland Ward, Britain’s biggest and most successful taxidermist whose work is common in National Trust collections. This dome contains a sparkling assortment of brightly-coloured South American birds displayed in improbable postures to show off their colours to best advantage. Such displays under glass domes brought the bright colours of Nature into dingy Victorian homes. They were a common feature of decorative household furniture, with wealthy owners having larger and better quality examples like this one. Another fine dome at Wallington (584334) was set up by Ralph Allder of Newbury. Others can be seen at Calke (287910) and at Shugborough.
Summary
An oval glass domed display case having (?) mahogany base on four flat bun feet. The case houses a display of forty stuffed birds with brilliant plumage arranged about on branches and dried grasses. This case includes specimens of cotingas, honeycreepers and hummingbirds. A printed label at rear reads 'Preserved by T.M. Williams, 155 Oxford Street, nearly facing Bond Street, artist 8 years at the Zoological Gallery'.
Provenance
Given with the property to The National Trust in 1941 by Sir Charles Philips Trevelyan, 3rd Bt. [1870 - 1958].
Marks and inscriptions
Preserved by T.M. Williams, 155 Oxford Street, nearly facing Bond Street, artist 8 years at the Zoological Gallery (label)
Makers and roles
Thomas Mutlow Williams, taxidermist