Taxidermy Owl

The object is owned by Celeste Sturgeon and was discovered in an antique display at a Lincoln charity shop. The owl was tested using X-Ray Fluorescence to identify the material present in the owl. It was discovered that there was a significant amount of arsenic present, which was commonly used as a pesticide in taxidermy objects until the early 20^th century. The use of arsenic as a pesticide suggests that the object was produced sometime between the 19^th to early 20^th centuries.

The aim of the treatment was to confirm the presence of toxic pesticides and clean the object in order for the owl to be returned to the antique display and store safely. The object had deteriorated due to poor storage conditions over several years.

The first step of the treatment was to remove as much arsenic residue and dust from the object as possible. This was done using a museum vacuum.

The main area of concern was a large blue pain stain on the owl’s feathers. This was removed using a mild detergent, Synperonic A7 diluted with water and gently brushed through the feather with a cotton swab. This method was also carried out along the entire surface of the object, as the majority of the feathers were damaged and covered in an unknown greasy substance.

The base of the object was also cleaned using Synperonic A7, and previous moss decoration was removed as it had deteriorated to a point that not much of the original material remained. The object was taken apart and reattached to improve the objects structural integrity. The original moss decoration was replaced using dried lichen attached using fish glue.

A section of the oak stand had broken and as a result, the owl could not stand in the correct way. A deeper hole was drilled into the oak and a wooden block, painted to match the colour of the oak was attached, to create an even surface for the owl to be reattached.