Taxidermy White Pheasant
Log #6439
Latin: Phasianus colchicus
Size: Approx. 83cm x 60cm x 35cm
Peter Spicer was born in 1893 and died 20th January 1935, aged 96, This was a good age considering his life-long use of arsenic. He moved to Leamington Spa and set up in business as a taxidermist in the year 1860 at 4 Upper Parade. This was to be the start of one of the most famous taxidermy firms ever, covering the golden age of taxidermy from birth, all the way right through to the end. According to Mr Robottom, an employee of Spicers, who was interviewed when the firm closed in 1959, "the peak years were 1904 to the First World War." Peter Spicer was a true naturalist with vision, an artist and a totally competent taxidermist (taxidermy is in reality art in a case). This ensured the highest quality work, but of course the was a price to pay and the taxidermy of P. Spicer & Sons was expensive in its day. However, finding customers who appreciated the quality and were prepared to pay doesn't seem to have been a problem. A glimpse at some of their patrons listed in their various publications is testimony to this. The cases today are highly sought after and as in their day, can be expensive.