Cooper's were mainly fish taxidermists although they did undertake mammals and birds. John Cooper founded the business in around the 1830's at 28 Radnor St, St Lukes, London. He was a self taught taxidermist and he died on 19th September 1872. He left the business to his son John and his sons also became taxidermists. From about 1896 the firm became "J. Cooper and sons" and during the second worl ward they moved to 78 Bath Rd, Hounslow, Middlesex. They continued to operate from there until at least the early 1950's. Like most fish taxidermists of the time Cooper used bow fronted glass cases with gold leaf edging. The details of the catch(specimen, date, weight where it was caught and by who) were often wrote in gold leaf along the bottom of the front glass although sometimes they were displayed on a label inside the case. Cooper changed his style of trade labels regularly so it is possible to date his cases within 10 years from the address label alone.
We have bought major collections from museums and private collectors.
Offer your items here.
Taxidermy law can be complicated.
We make it our business to know the laws surrounding the trade, keeping up to date with changes in current legislation so you can buy in confidence.
The House of Taxidermy does not source modern taxidermy specimens that have been killed for the purpose of taxidermy. Our modern taxidermy is mainly roadkill and catkill as these are sadly the top two threats to British wildlife. We also get animals that have died of old age, largely from zoos and falconers.
Antique pieces for us are another matter. Although some of these old specimens were hunted, we see no harm in trading them today.
Destroying them will not bring the animal back.
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