Maybe it’s a “boy” thing….
Or, maybe it’s a “Texas” thing….(it’s pretty common in the South)
But I have a fascination for living surrounded by dead things. Like, a serious fascination.
Not in a serial killer kind of way, more like a Victorian cabinet of curiosities…..
But bigger.
You know, like a wing at the Museum of Natural History.
And who wouldn’t want to live there?
I love the way the animals are worked into the environments here……
This look is not for everyone, that’s certain.
Turtle shells, turkey feathers, segments of blue songbird eggs, snake skins and all the other things that I brought home as a young boy have evolved to more “adult-like” proportions.
Our house is loaded with trophy heads, cow hides, deer antlers, African porcupine quills, mounted fish, bird nests, longhorn horns, and a handful of skulls.
…..and what could be more wholesome?
THE CAVENDER DIARY 
Excellent pictures. I particularly love the one where the bison(?) is hanging near the bed, almost to be outdone by the peacock that it sitting right above it. Is that a snake hanging from a basket in the foreground? Good lord, there are no rules in design that cannot be broken and fabulous now. Along similar lines, I am sure you have read this already are chuckling to yourself in sheer remembrance:
UNDERSTANDING OWLS
What does a gift say about the giver?
BY DAVID SEDARIS
OCTOBER 22, 2012
Read more: http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/10/22/121022fa_fact_sedaris#ixzz2HYZZGOqT
I adore David Sedaris!!! He inspires me with my own writings every time I sit at this PC and peck away.
I haven’t read this story, but I’m headed to the New Yorker site right now …
Thanks Makenzie
David Sedaris is laugh-out-loud funny, & especially terrific when listened to in audio book. Thanks for the link to the NY article.
As for the mounts, there’s a peculiar fascination that has me scrolling back through the photos. Lately I’ve been trolling the internet for photos of shearling used in decorating. I’m thinking sheepskin draped over counter chair seats will add a bit of comfort and Western look to my house.
I adore sheepskins for seating. They are cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Magic, really. They refresh just fine in the dryer or you can brave a full-fledged wash and get a tighter fur out of it, if that makes sense. Everyone should try at least one sheepskin seat in their home. You will love it. More than Western, I find they add a Modern flare, What do you think, James?
I had sheepskin seat covers in my first car, a navy blue Prelude with a luggage rack on the back trunk…..and I LOVED them. Of course they take me back to when I was 21…and free.
Here is a modern take on taxidermy! Me + White Lacquer Moose Head = Love at first sight!
http://www.zgallerie.com/p-8145-moose-head-31.aspx
*Watch for the periodic 20% off sale… worth the wait
I do so love that Moose…the bull and silver cow skull would work too…..
Enough to go around. Estate Auction 0f 80+ Beautifully Mounted Taxidermy Trophies. All selling without reserve prices! For details and catalog; http://www.AlanFrenkel.com or 321-710-3494
I enjoy old taxidermy but really feel guilty about killing African animals. Haven’t we endangered enough animals?
I totally understand. In Texas there’s an overpopulation of white tail deer and Javelina. It’s necessary to thin them out so they aren’t destructive, or running head first into interstate traffic. I know in Africa it’s necessary to do the same with zebra and springbok. Only animals that are overpopulated. Esp. If there’s a scarce food source. Personally, I don’t think I could ever shoot one….. but I do enjoy their beauty.
That barbershop is incredible. Do you know where it is?
Hi Rob, Sorry, that was just a picture I pulled off of Pinterest years ago.