Mark Wintle
Well-known member
Taxidermy developed in the 18th century and became refined in late Victorians times. It's where we got the term 'specimen' from 'glass-case specimen'. As this term was around in Victorian times it suggests that farfrom being invented in the 50s and 60s it predates this era by the best part of a century. Of course the cost of stuffing a fish was far more than the average working man could ever afford but there is evidence of 'specimen' hunters from Victorian times onwards. There was little organisation behind it though the successful anglers would have publicised their catches through displays of glass cases, Fishing Gazette, Angler's News, The Field etc.and known about each other.
It's time to quash the myth of its invention in 1953!
An example of a Thirties specimen hunter is Bill Penney who caught many specimen roach and developed specialist tackle.
It's time to quash the myth of its invention in 1953!
An example of a Thirties specimen hunter is Bill Penney who caught many specimen roach and developed specialist tackle.