Thomas Edward Gunn(1844-1923) started working for John Sayer of 47 Giles Street in about 1860 and then when John Sayer died in 1866 Gunn took over. Sayer's business was established in 1826 so he probably took it over from his father. For this reason Gunn's labels state established 1826. Between 1881 and 1886 Gunn moved into premises opposite at 86 Giles Street and later he gained 84 and 84 aswell as. When T. E. Gunn died in 1923 the business was carried on by his son Frederick Ernest Gunn(1869-1950) Like all the big taxidermy firms of the time, the Gunn's employed other workers. One of which, Fred Ashton(1908-1976) allegedly ate the meat from all the specimens! The firm closed down in the late 1940's.
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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