Taxidermy Ring-necked Pheasant by John Cooper
Latin: Phasianus Colchicus
Size: approx. 50cm x 88cm x 24cm
Description: By J Cooper & sons
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 world 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 written 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.