John Hancock (ornithologist)
John Hancock | |
|---|---|
John Hancock in 1874, photographed by Joseph W. Swan | |
| Born | 24 February 1808 Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
| Died | 11 October 1890 (aged 82) St Mary's Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
| Occupation | Ornithologist |
| Years active | 1829–1880s |
| Known for | Ornithological work, including taxidermy, research, art and writing |
| Notable work | The Struggle with the Quarry, 1851 |
John Hancock (24 February 1808 – 11 October 1890) was an English naturalist, ornithologist, taxidermist and landscape architect. Working during the golden age of taxidermy when mounted animals became a popular part of Victorian era interior design, Hancock is considered the father of modern taxidermy
Hancock introduced the style of dramatic and lifelike arrangement in taxidermy. One of his famous works "Struggle with the quarry" depicted a falcon attacking a heron which held an eel. This taxidermy mount was an attraction at the 1851 Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in London.