TAXIDERMY: A RARE DISPLAY OF RED SQUIRRELS PLAYING, IN THE MANNER OF WALTER POTTER

a late 19th/ early 20th century display of four full mount anthropomorhic red squirrels playing boules. One is hunched down with a stick ruler measuring the distance between the jack / cochonnet (a hazelnut), and the boules (walnuts). Two stood upright longingly gaze in anticipation of the verdict - one holding a charming handmade little pipe. The final squirrel poised ready to throw his boule, perhaps too eagerly!

Period anthropomorphic pieces are rare, usually playing cards, playing a sport is particularly unusual. Very reminiscent of ‘The Guinea Pigs’ Cricket Match’, created by the forefather of anthropomorphic taxidermy Walter Potter in circa 1870. The squirrels offered here are most likely French in origin, and are original to the period (the creator perhaps inspired by a visit to Mr.Potter’s museum in Bramber). Later re-cased.

The case: 107cm wide x 53cm long