This well-known Brighton firm was, like Pratt's, a family concern spanning at least three generations, it was founded in 1830 by George Swaysland (1814-88), and continued by his son, Walter(1853-1931), who was in turn joined by his own son, also Walter. Walter senior was the author of the attractive four volume work Familiar Wild Birds (1883-88), which was the first book to be illustrated by Archibald Thorburn.
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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