Ijams mentioned in new book about taxidermy as art form

Pair of ivory-billed woodpeckers on display
in Ijams Visitor Center.

The Nature Center's namesake: H.P. Ijams was an illustrator, but he also practiced the art of taxidermy. 

Although H.P. died in 1954, we think he would have been pleased to know that several specimens of the ancient art form are on display in the Visitor Center, the most notable of which is the recently acquired pair of ivory-billed woodpeckers.


A new book by Alex Turner simply titled Taxidermy is the first to focus on the old art form. "It balances showcasing classic work alongside innovative and modern pieces" from museum collections to private smaller collectors.


"This intriguing and engaging volume offers inspiration to anyone seeking to incorporate taxidermy into any type of setting, historical or modern, commercial or residential."

The author is from London and the scope of the book is international. In the back is a list of "Places to Visit" around the world. Only six places in the US are listed: Tulane University of Natural History in Louisiana, Harvard Museum of Natural History in Cambridge, American Museum of Natural History in New York, Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington, The Field Museum in Chicago and...Ijams Nature Center.

Wow. What select company we keep. 

Congratulations Paul James for your contribution to the project.

For more about the book, go to: Taxidermy. 

- Stephen Lyn Bales