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Red squirrel

Edward Hart (1847-1928)

Category

Natural History / Taxidermy

Date

1834

Materials

Display case with posed taxidermy squirrels

Measurements

387 mm (H); 482 mm (W); 178 mm (D)

Place of origin

Christchurch

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Collection

Castle Ward, County Down

NT 836091

Caption

Two opponents eye one another cautiously as they sportingly shake hands and prepare for a boxing match. The fight takes place across five cases at Castle Ward, but these competitors are no ordinary boxers. Created by Victorian taxidermist Edward Hart (1847–1928), this tableau, called ‘The Prize Fight’, features boxing red squirrels. The set would originally have consisted of six scenes, with each squirrel wearing a coloured sash and boxing gloves. The fight plays out until the victorious, red-sashed squirrel stands over its vanquished opponent. We might find this distasteful today, especially because native red squirrels are in decline in the United Kingdom. The Victorians, however, were intrigued by this anthropomorphic taxidermy, setting up stuffed animals in poses as if they were miniature humans. Squirrels and frogs were often used, since their shapes and body proportions were well suited to imitating humans. Red squirrels were frequently shot by local foresters protecting their trees, but numbers have fallen dramatically since the 19th-century introduction of grey squirrels from North America. Taxidermy specimens like these were prized by collectors for study as well as dramatic display. Today the Trust works with conservation partners to monitor and protect red squirrel populations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Summary

Five cases containing 'Boxing Squirrels' by the Victorian taxidermist, Edward Hart. 5th Viscount Bangor's sculpture of a tableau of red squirrels in boxing poses.

Provenance

Purchased from the 7th Lord Bangor in 1967 with a grant from the Ulster Land Fund.

Makers and roles

Edward Hart (1847-1928), taxidermist William Hart & Son, Preservers of Birds and Beasts (fl. mid 19th century), taxidermist

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