Less often seen but just as spectacular were all glass cases containing single, pairs or family groups of taxidermy specimens, Kendal Museum has arguably the finest taxidermy collection of such cases, among others, as the bulk of the Museum’s taxidermy is by Murray of Carnforth. They also excelled in hunting trophies being kept busy by all the local hunts.
As I am currently writing a book about the Victorian taxidermist Murray any information on Murray etc. would be very welcome, I also specialise in renovating picture frame cases however badly damaged.We are also always interested in purchasing examples of work by this taxidermist. His work includes Game Heads, Cased Mammals and of course Cased birds. Just for interest, Kendal Museum, Cumbria has one of the few Thylacine specimens (Tazmanian Wolf, which is now extinct) held by a British museum. The museum has very little information on this individual specimen. It was donated in 1939 by a Dr Parker, and was cased by H. Murray of Carnforth.
A truly amazing Green Woodpecker by Murray of Carnforth, just look at the painting in the background. Many thanks Dave. The story of the woodpecker. The bird was purchased at a furniture sale in Carlisle 24 years ago along with a woodcock and goosander by un-named taxidermists each costing £5. The vendor of the woodpecker was from Kendal and had around 20 lots the best of which we the woodpecker and a peregrine falcon in dome which unfortunately I could not afford as I was newly married and saving for a carpet. I worked for a different department of the firm of auctioneers and knew that the woodpecker had a £75 reserve and the vendor had indicated that he would not be able to attend the sale. I was simply helping the bidding which had got up to £60 with no intention of purchasing as I loved the item but could not afford it, when the vendor walked in and said “sell it”. You may well imagine my fear at going home and telling my new wife that I had spent the carpet money on a stuffed bird!
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