A labelled case by J Hutchings of Aberystwyth (his small trade label can be found internally pasted to the front upright, plus a faint chalk inscription to the verso of the case reads ‘Davies 37’ which is most likely the customer’s name and the year 1937. The family firm of Hutchings finally closing its doors just five years later.
Just 45cm wide x 49cm high.

Ref: 26740

Notes: James Hutchings started his taxidermy business in the 1860’s and was followed by his sons with the business finally closing down in 1942.
Very little introduction is needed with this well-known Welsh taxidermy firm, the firms case style being easily recognizable, however the cases are seldom labelled, but as the subject matter gets more interesting or important the more likely it is that you can find a small trade label (even two or three) pasted within, as with this particular case.
It is probably fair to say that Hutchings work today turns up more frequently than all Victorian taxidermists. The area they covered was vast and a prolific one, there preservation methods were also formidable and have held of the ravages of time as good as any other taxidermist and in most cases probably better, even the cases themselves are of a good solid construction.
Nothing makes a farm house kitchen look better or more lived in than a Hutchings case sitting on a Welsh dresser.