Taxidermy Golden Pheasant
Log #6213
Latin: Chrysolophus pictus
Size: Approx. 102cm x 56.5cm x 25.5cm
Description: Victorian Golden Pheasant in a naturalistic setting. Great colour. "Norfolk School" box style case. Very likely to be the work of celebrated Norwich taxidermist Thomas Edward Gunn.
Thomas Edward Gunn was born in Norwich in 1844. Around 1860, he was apprenticed to John Sayer of 47, St Giles Street, from whom he took over upon the latter's death. Thomas Gunn enjoyed an excellent reputation as a field naturalist and wildflower, and was one of those fortunate people whose livelihood was also his hobby. He said in later life that he had loved every minute of his work. His company soon became and remained the largest and best known of the several taxidermy shops in Norwich. By the 1880's his fame had spread far and wide, and the quality of his firm's best work was never bettered.