Traditional Bow Fronted Case

This option is by far the most popular. Historically Fish taxidermists in this country mounted fish in bow fronted glass cases, which were decorated inside to replicate an underwater scene and to give the fish context. Gold lettering was put on the glass inside the case giving details of who caught the fish, where, when and what it weighed. This has over the years become the traditional way of presenting a fish. Fish mounted in this manner can be seen on the walls of private houses, Fishing Lodges, Hotels etc throughout the British Isles. The format and basic specification has changed little over the years. It is probably for this reason that the bow fronted case is normally the first choice for clients wishing to have a fish set up.

I build all my bow-fronted cases in my workshop to a very high specification. Each fish case is constructed individually for a particular clients fish. The background of the case is painted in a montage of colours sympathetic to the subtle colouring of the fish. I do not generally over dress my Salmon and Trout cases with dried grasses, moss and reeds because I believe that a well set up fish does not need to be crowded out with unnecessary embellishments which can detract from the fish. Most other bow front cases are finished in black paint and the bowed glass is held in with black tape. Whilst this may be a cheap and quick method of finishing off a fish case, I believe that in the context of modern taxidermy, it looks cheap and quick. My cases are finished in a high gloss or satin varnish and the glass panels are held in with hardwood mouldings giving a far higher standard of finish. The Bowed Glass is 4mm thick clear float annealed with a gold and black border.