CIRCA 1900

Rowland Ward (1853-1912) came from a family of well known taxidermists, he established his shop in Piccadilly, London, known also under the guise of 'The Jungle'. Their trade label boasted 'By Special Appoitment to His Majesty the King, advertising their skills as I'Practical and Artistic Taxidermists, Osteologists, Designers of Trophies of Natural History, Preservers and Adapters of all Spcimens of Animal Life, Natural Features of Animals adapted in Original Designs of Decorative Purposes and everyday use. Furriers and Plumassiers and collectors in Natural History, Booksellers and Publishers'. Among many, one illustrious client was the Duke of Orleans whose patronage of Ward's is estimated at 2500 items. This commenced around 1889 whilst the Duke lived in Worcestershire, but on moving to Bruxelles the collection was donated to the city of Paris. The company closed its doors to taxidermy in 1977.