Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Bostock & Wombwell's Menagerie--Norwich Castle Museum





2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Unless those are actual mounts from Wombells, the inclusion of the taxidermy in the display seems weird

Wade G. Burck said...

Anonymous,
Yes, they are actual animals from Wombwells. Norwich Castle Museum is a most unique Natural History Museum. Historically "zoo's" started as private menageries of the rich and famous, and Kings, Emperors and royalty. Natural History Museums were a natural off shoot of study, learning, and science, given so many animals died shortly after arriving in captivity or on the voyage to their new "home." Natural History Museum gave the "common folk" an opportunity to view the wonders of the world for the first time. They remain remarkable institutions even today.
Wade