A Striking Mid 20thC Mounted Mature Taxidermy Peacock

Origin: Unknown
Period: Mid Twentieth Century
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1940-60
Height: 37 inches
Length: 60 inches
Depth: 15 inches

Presenting Sidney the mature English peacock, preserved and mounted on a large rustic naturalistic setting log base mount.

The most famous hobo in Norfolk throughout the 1950s, Sid had been homeless for almost fifteen years until he saw his life turn upsidedown in a matter of days after his self-proclaimed ’golden voice’ was heard on the promenade by famed folk music agent Harold Leventhal.

Sid had one hell of a mating call coupled with his rather gravely but soulful crooning voice, and, after he was awarded a recording contract, his redemption was complete, after the previous decade saw him battle with drugs, alcohol, and criminal behaviour.

Sidney’s life became more comfortable but fame didn’t change him per se. He still dressed badly and he still smoked too much and didn’t prune himself nearly enough, the results of which can be still seen today with a few of his feathers lacking especially to his neck and feather ends, giving the whole a rather shoddy, but charming, overall appearance.

When quizzed as to why he was so determined not be appear to well presented or groomed, since now he surely could afford the pleasure, he simply replied ‘Well, Hallelujah I’m a bum’.