Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Museums > National Army Museum
Stuffed tabby cat 'Crimean Tom', 1855 (animal skin, stuffed)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Fine Art Finder
Stuffed tabby cat 'Crimean Tom', 1855 (animal skin, stuffed)
5922105 Stuffed tabby cat 'Crimean Tom', 1855 (animal skin, stuffed); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Stuffed tabby cat 'Crimean Tom', 1855.
On 9 September 1855 after a year's siege, British and French forces entered the ruins of the Russian port of Sebastopol in the Crimea. They found the city filled with the dead and dying. Legend has it that one fortunate survivor was the cat, 'Crimean Tom', who was rescued from the devastated city by Deputy Assistant Commissary William Gair of the Field Train Department. He brought Tom back to England as a pet. Tom died on 31 December 1856 and his skin was stuffed and mounted.
Having a pet stuffed and mounted after death was a common Victorian way of remembering a beloved animal. Whether this particular stuffed cat is the famous survivor from Sebastopol is debatable as it was bought at Portobello Road market by Lady Compton Mackenzie in the 1950s.); © National Army Museum
Media ID 38342506
© © National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
Domestic Cat Kitten Kittens Relic Stuffed Animal Taxidermy
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Mammals
> Cats (Domestic)
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> British Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> National Army Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Sights
> British Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Transport
> Railway
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> School Greek
> Transportation
> Trains
EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing print captures the stuffed tabby cat known as 'Crimean Tom', dating back to 1855. The story behind this unique piece is both fascinating and heartwarming.
Legend has it that 'Crimean Tom' was a fortunate survivor of the siege of Sebastopol in the Crimea, rescued by Deputy Assistant Commissary William Gair amidst the ruins of the city. Brought back to England as a pet, Tom lived out his days before passing away on December 31, 1856. In a common Victorian tradition, his skin was then carefully preserved through stuffing and mounting.
The practice of preserving beloved pets in such a manner served as a way for Victorians to remember and honor their furry companions long after they had passed on. While there may be debate surrounding whether this particular stuffed cat truly belonged to the legendary Crimean survivor, its historical significance remains undeniable.
Displayed at the National Army Museum in London, this image serves as a poignant reminder of our enduring connection with animals throughout history. It stands as a testament to the bond between humans and their animal companions, immortalized through art and preservation techniques from centuries past.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
