A striking cased male golden pheasant by H. F. Ashton of Larkman Lane, Norwich, retaining the maker’s paper label inside the display.
The bird has wonderfully colourful plumage, with a sweeping golden crest, orange and black barred neck feathers, deep red breast, dark green shoulder feathers and a long patterned tail.
Mounted in a naturalistic setting of moss and dried grasses against a pale blue painted background, and housed within a dark wooden case with glazed front and ends.
A handsome natural history display with plenty of presence, ideal for a study, sitting room or country house interior.
About the taxidermist
H. F. Ashton, known as Fred Ashton, was a Norwich taxidermist who undertook work from his home in Larkman Lane. An account published by the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society recalls that he was said to have worked in his youth for the taxidermy business established by Thomas Gunn in St Giles, Norwich.
The surviving maker’s label adds a particularly interesting local connection to this decorative specimen. Its precise date of manufacture is unknown.
Condition
The bird retains strong colour and attractive feather detail, with some feather wear and irregularity around the head and neck. The wooden case has surface marks and age-related wear to the finish, particularly along the top and edges. The moss and dried grasses show signs of age.
Dimensions are approximately
Length: 107cm
Width: 22cm
Height: 47cm
COLLECTION ONLY
