| Peter Spicer is regarded as one of the greatest British taxidermists. He ran a large taxidermy company in Leamington Spa during the late 19th century and early 20th century. His cased work is characterised by evocative painted backdrops and highly realistic bases made from papier-mache with dried vegetation, real pebbles etc. Sadly, in the past, some owners removed their specimens from the original cases. Warwickshire Museum received a number of these uncased Spicers in the distant past. | | In 2002 Warwickshire Museum commissioned a leading authority on Spicer taxidermy, Robert Chinnery to re-case six uncased specimens. He has created some very sensitively designed cases that bring out the beauty of the specimens and their mounts. We have not attempted to re-create the painted backdrops, as these were unique.
If you would like to know more about Spicer taxidermy visit the mock 'Spicer Shop' in the Market Hall Museum, Warwick. |