A 19th century taxidermy display. The Victorians were avid collectors. The aspiring social climbers of the middle classes were particularly keen on displaying an enormous range of unusual objects in their homes. Curiosity cabinets full of strange bones, shells, poison bottles, archaeological relics, hunting trophies or weapons from exotic places were an essential piece of furniture for any Victorian living room and every available surface would be covered with vases and ornaments to make the owners appear wealthy and cultured.
