Murray of Carnforth, Taxidermist.

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Henry & Albert Murray, Taxidermists of Carnforth

Author

Mr J Dent

Mr Jeff Dent,will at some point in the future, be creating a book specifically on the subject of this Taxidermist. Mr Dent is probably the largest UK collector solely of the taxidermy work produced by Murray.

Interesting development with reference to the work of H Murray of Carnforth.

You need to review item 5.5 of this punlished document. cut and paste it into your web browser and read the content.

www.ipswich.gov.uk/downloads/JMS-10-24_Progress_Report.pdf

Mr Jeffrey Dent shall be publishing shorlty the complete researched work on the life and work of Henry and Albert Murray of Carnforth. The scope of this work encompasses a definitive history of the taxidermists, patrons their work and their influence on a specific style of specimen presentation, much envied and poorly copied by others. If you are interested in acquiring a copy of this work (limited print run) then contact us and we will pass on your details for a mailing list to Mr Dent .

The Victorian Historical Taxidermist's , Murray of Carnforth

The business of Murray was established in 1872 by Henry Murray working from premises in Scotland Road, Carnforth and continued with his son Albert Jamesuntil Albert retired in 1961. Murray’s work was of the highest quality renowned for their picture frame cases with beautifully painted "oil" backdrops, mainly for the private/commercial market. That said much debate centers around whether the background scenes of "lakeland" landscapes were actually executed by Henry Murray. In the absence of signed watercolours and oil paintings in their own right (cite Alexander Williams of Dublin who created watercolours and oils) then it is unlikely that Murray was the creator of these. We suggest that they were commissioned to a third party not currently known.
Less often seen but just as spectacular were all glass cases containing single, pairs or family groups of taxidermy specimens, Kendal Museum has arguably the finest taxidermy collection of such cases, among others, as the bulk of the Museum’s taxidermy is by Murray of Carnforth. They also excelled in hunting trophies being kept busy by all the local hunts.
As I am currently writing a book about the Victorian taxidermist Murray any information on Murray etc. would be very welcome, I also specialise in renovating picture frame cases however badly damaged.We are also always interested in purchasing examples of work by this taxidermist. His work includes Game Heads, Cased Mammals and of course Cased birds. Just for interest, Kendal Museum, Cumbria has one of the few Thylacine specimens (Tazmanian Wolf, which is now extinct) held by a British museum. The museum has very little information on this individual specimen. It was donated in 1939 by a Dr Parker, and was cased by H. Murray of Carnforth.

If you have any work produced by this Taxidermist or have any information pertaining to the companys history, please respond via this on-line form Here

The work of Henry and Albert Murray of Carnforth in pictoral form

Turnstones by Murray of Carnforth. More information on this case to follow shortly

Close up of a case by Albert Murray in detail. This recently acquired case is fantastic as the observation just on one part of the groundwork demonstrates. This case contains birds rarely mounted by the victorians and has been viewed by the UK authourity (Mr Jeffrey Dent) on the life and work of Henry and Albert Murray, who states that it is perhaps one of the finest of this style outside a museum. The complete image of this recently acquired case will not be shown until it features in the book dedicated to the life and work of Henry and Albert Murray by Mr Jeffrey Dent.

Historical view of the Kendal Museum. Work principly the talent / effort of H Murray of Carnforth.

Very nice depiction of Kendal Museum (circa 1952). Nice to see the cases in tact and also images that are in focus.

Male Gooseander by H Murray of Carnforth. Another recent acquisition from the site. Image kept small due to the borrowers. Does look pathetic when you distort them.

European Pike by H Murray. This image shows typical case contruction techniques commonly used by Murray when creating wall hanging cases.

Curious and perhaps strange Badger depiction on a sheild by H Murray of Carnforth.

Victorian Pied Flycatchers by H Murray of Carnforth

Victorian Common Sandpipers with chick by H Murray of Carnforth. Murray also incorporated sharks teeth into the groundwork construction

Victorian Bullfinch / Goldfinch hybred by H Murray of Carnforth

Badger cubs by H Murray of Carnforth

Letterhead and invoice by H Murray of Carnforth

Victorian taxidermy case of of Black Grouse by Murray

Victorian taxidermy case of of Black Grouse by Murray in detail

British birds in abberation by H Murray of Carnforth.

British birds in abberation by H Murray of Carnforth.

British birds in abberation by H Murray of Carnforth.

European Pike by H Murray

European Pike by H Murray in close up.

European Pike by H Murray in close up.

Close up of a Fox by H Murray of Carnforth. This animal was killed on boxing day 1923, a very fine example of british historical taxidermy

Carved Sea Trout from the workshop of Murray of Carnforth. It is a pity that the pectoral fin is missing.“J.G Hoddler, Aug 30th 1908, River Eden Upper Waters, Appleby.” and “Weight 8 3/4lbs. Length 23ins. Girth 13ins.”, H. Murray & Son paper trade label to reverse

Carved Sea Trout from the workshop of Murray of Carnforth. “J.G Hoddler, Aug 30th 1908, River Eden Upper Waters, Appleby.” and “Weight 8 3/4lbs. Length 23ins. Girth 13ins.”, H. Murray & Son paper trade label to reverse

Carved Sea Trout from the workshop of Murray of Carnforth. “J.G Hoddler, Aug 30th 1908, River Eden Upper Waters, Appleby.” and “Weight 8 3/4lbs. Length 23ins. Girth 13ins.”, H. Murray & Son paper trade label to reverse

Kingsfishers by H Murray of Carnforth. This case having been examined by the UK's authority on the life and work of this taxidermist is surprised to see such a sparse case in terms of groundwork. The overall effect however is very pleasing. These birds are currently in the same family for the past 30 years.

Snipe with chicks, suggested either by Murray / Salkeld of Carnforth. This case originally made Ł50.00 when sold at auction in 1979, more recently sold for approximately Ł1500.00. The groundwork infers that this is more likely the work of Thomas Salkeld, who trained under Murray. We suggest that the work is therefore that of Salkeld and not Henry Murray.

Single Kingfisher by H Murray of Carnforth.

Snipe with chicks, close up of the above case
Kittiwake in summer plumage by H Murray of Carnforth.
Kittiwake in summer plumage by H Murray of Carnforth.
Label on the rear of the above case by H Murray of Carnforth.

Golden Eagles and White Tailed Sea Eagle by Henry Murray of Carnforth. This case is part of the Kendal Museum. More images from this museum to follow.
Sparrowhawk and Hawk Owl by H Murray of Carnforth.
Original letter sent by Murray with reference to tanning of a Coyote. Many thanks for the image Cathy.

Victorian Badgers head by H Murray of Carnforth

Victorian Fox head by H Murray of Carnforth

Victorian lable by H Murray of Carnforth

Victorian taxidermy dome containing Kingfishers by Murray. Very rare item indeed

Victorian taxidermy case of a Male Merlin by Murray

A truly amazing Green Woodpecker by Murray of Carnforth, just look at the painting in the background. Many thanks Dave. The story of the woodpecker. The bird was purchased at a furniture sale in Carlisle 24 years ago along with a woodcock and goosander by un-named taxidermists each costing Ł5. The vendor of the woodpecker was from Kendal and had around 20 lots the best of which we the woodpecker and a peregrine falcon in dome which unfortunately I could not afford as I was newly married and saving for a carpet. I worked for a different department of the firm of auctioneers and knew that the woodpecker had a Ł75 reserve and the vendor had indicated that he would not be able to attend the sale. I was simply helping the bidding which had got up to Ł60 with no intention of purchasing as I loved the item but could not afford it, when the vendor walked in and said “sell it”. You may well imagine my fear at going home and telling my new wife that I had spent the carpet money on a stuffed bird!
Victorian taxidermy case of a Male Buzzard by Murray

Victorian Lesser Black Backed Gull by H Murray of Carnforth.

Tragopan Pheasant by H Murray of Carnforth.

Label by H Murray of Carnforth.

Victorian taxidermy case of a Long Eared Owl by Murray
Short Eared Owl by Murray of Carnforth.Again a fabulous watercolour background

Kestrel with short tailed Vole prey by Murray of Carnforth.

Murray Otter mask. Thanks Jeff

Ivorine placque from a Murray Otter mask shield. Thanks Jeff

Victorian taxidermy case of a Barn Owl by Murray

Victorian taxidermy case of a Male Pheasant by Murray

Victorian Label by H Murray of Carnforth.

Victorian taxidermy case of a Great Crested Grebes with Chick by Murray

Victorian taxidermy case of a Polecat by Murray

Victorian taxidermy case of a Male Marsh Harrier by Murray

Victorian taxidermy case of a Male Sparrowhawk by Murray

Victorian trade label by Murray of Carnforth.

Victorian taxidermy case of a Red Grouse by Murray

Victorian Ptarmigan by Murray of Carnforth.

Victorian taxidermy case of a Immature Female Peregrine by Murray

Victorian Fox chasing Rabbits by Murray of Carnforth.
Victorian pair of Peregrines by Murray of Carnforth.

Fox head by H Murray of Carnforth.

Fox pads by H Murray of Carnforth.

Fox head by H Murray of Carnforth.

Thomas Salkeld of Kellett,near Carnforth
This site has a lot of imagery on both the subject of H Murray of Carnforth and also the life and work of Thomas Salkeld. However out of respect for the scholarly work being produced by the UK's expert on both these taxidermist we have refrained from publishing what we have. We have discussed what infromation we have with Mr Dent and the images that you see within this page represents discussion with Mr Dent as not to interfere with his research and images that he would wish to publish himself.

Common Buzzard with Song Thrush prey Jay by Salkeld of Kellett, near Carnforth. Competent taxidermy but inferior and less desirable work to that of his employer Henry Murray, who's work is more skilled. Classic mistake by Salkeld is the removal of some of the cranial bones thus giving the flat look around the eye. Birds of prey have eyebrow bone (taxidermists know this) and if removed then the finished look is incorrect and "flat". A common fault with Victorian birds
Eagles by Henry Murray. Shown here merely to depict the correct retention of the cranial bones and there effect on the facial features of the bird.
Jay by Salkeld of Kellett, near Carnforth. This case has enjoyed an interesting journey to its current owner.
Victorian Fox with Pheasant prey by Salkeld of Carnforth.
Victorian Badgers by Thomas Salkeld, who apprenticed to Murray.

Victorian Badgers by Thomas Salkeld, who apprenticed to Murray.

Victorian taxidermy label by T Salkeld of Carnforth. He trained with Murray and this is an example of his lable.

Victorian Badgers by Thomas Salkeld, who apprenticed to Murray.

Victorian Hare's head by Thomas Salkeld, who apprenticed to Murray.

Victorian Roe Deer's head by Thomas Salkeld, who apprenticed to Murray.

Victorian Otter's head by Thomas Salkeld, who apprenticed to Murray.

Victorian Otter's head by Thomas Salkeld, who apprenticed to Murray.

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