Hutchings Family

It would appear that James Hutchings began working as a taxidermist in Aberystwyth in the 1860s. His sons, James (Fred), George and Walter and daughter (Poppy), followed him in the taxidermy trade and the firm continued until 1942. The company was one of the most prolific taxidermist firms in Britain and their work is considered to be of a very high standard. This family was perhaps best regarded as one of the best and most prolific provincial taxidermists.

Well-presented cases and very fine taxidermy were their stock in trade. They specialized mainly in birds producing some spectacular and large examples of sea bird taxidermy, mostly shot locally to order for customers. Foxes and badgers were also produced almost on an industrial scale.
Many examples of cased foxes with prey exist; perhaps the only differentiators is the prey at the feet of the fox. Fish do exist but are very rare indeed, as are the more common species of birds like wood pigeons and woodland birds.

Hutchings prices have steadily increased over the years as more and more people recognize the quality of the taxidermy. The supply of such cases appears to be however never ending, so this should "cool" the taxidermy market for certain items such as foxes and badgers. Birds however are more likely to remain in high demand.

Hutchings later cases are quite distinctive, with square feet, rounded corners and gilded bars over black tape. The backs are painted to represent a sky ranging in colour from blue to yellow or pink.

James Hutchings’ invoices described him as a Taxidermist and Gun Smith, and he advertised for the skins of stoats, polecats, foxes, badgers and otters for making stoles.


Most of their taxidermy work is of common animals, particularly foxes. They were known to have worked on elephants and other exotic animals. They also preserved rare birds shot over Ceredigion. Their shops (firstly in Bridge Street then Corporation Street) were filled with all sorts of strange animals including a bear holding a silver dish (possibly made for a local mansion) and a calf with two heads.

For more examples and images of his work then go to

www.Taxidermy4cash.com, the largest set of imagry of this company anywhere worldwide.