My latest creation, ‘Womblus Wimbledon Vulgaris’ better known as the Common Wimbledon Womble. I have always been a fan of the Wombles and wanted to create something that reflected my devotion…. So I decided to have one stuffed and mounted.Nobody did taxidermy like the Victorians so I thought it best that this be a Victorian Womble wearing a waistcoat (with watch) and top hat. The Womble stands in a glass case in an imitation Wimbledon Common habitat scene surrounded by plants and butterflies along with some litter that he has gathered. On the back of the case, there is a description label that reads, The Womble(Womblus Wimbledon Vulgaris )Dweller of both underground and overground, the Womble is particularly common around the Wimbledon area. Known for its resourcefulness in making good use of the things that everyday folk leave behind. Professor Michael Batt observed, “The Womble is organised and works as a team. It keeps its surrounding habitat tidy and clean.”An incredibly utterly devious species it makes the most of everything (even bottles and tins!) Donated to the Wimbledon Common conservation collection in 1871by Mrs. Elisabeth Beresford MBE.
The litter that the womble has gathered comprises of a button, a piece of string and an empty bottle of Cribbins Cough Syrup
Many thanks to Iris Hung for providing his smart attire.
© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.
So that's what happened to Uncle Bensbury! Last seen venturing toward the spring at Caesar's Fort, body never found, rifle range on the Common suspected, etc. Frequently called a "stuffed shirt" in his time, now I guess he's just plain stuffed. I defer to your knowledge of Latin as regards taxonomy but I'd always thought the correct classification was Womblus Wimbledonus (Wombli Wimbledoni for two or more?) but without the Vulgaris. I can just hear Great Uncle Bulgaria firmly stating "There's nothing vulgar about the Wombles!"
ReplyDeletePlease bare in mind that this specimen is over 100 years old...The Victorians where less informed in such matters, as I understand it a comprehensive study of these animals was not done until the 1960’s ;)
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