History and Tips for Using Glass Eyes in Taxidermy Mounts

The History of Glass Eyes in Taxidermy

The practice of using glass eyes in taxidermy has a long and fascinating history. Taxidermists have been utilizing glass versions to bring an added sense of realism to their creations for over 200 years. Understanding the origins and evolution of glass eyes provides intriguing insights into the art and science behind this unique craft.

Early Beginnings

The use of glass eyes in taxidermy is believed to have begun in 1780s England. Back then, rudimentary glass eyes were handcrafted by glassblowers. These early versions were quite crude and not very realistic. However, they marked an important stepping stone in providing taxidermy specimens with more lifelike features.

In the early 19th century, the production of glass eyes became more sophisticated. Specialized glass eye companies opened up, dedicated to improving the realism. Eyes were hand painted and designed to mimic the colors and markings of different animal species. This allowed taxidermists to better recreate accurate details.

Rise of Taxidermy in Victorian Era

During the mid to late 1800s, taxidermy grew greatly in popularity. The Victorian era saw a huge rise in public interest for natural history displays. Glass eyes were an essential part of creating convincing frozen zoo tableaux.

Using high quality glass eyes was key for noted taxidermists of the time. Famous practitioners like Rowland Ward and the father and son duo of Hermann and Robert Ploucquet relied on glass eyes to bring their subjects to life. The Ploucquets are credited with some of the most scientifically accurate and lifelike Victorian taxidermy creations.

Evolution of Production Techniques

As taxidermy continued gaining mainstream interest into the 1900s, glass eye production became more sophisticated. Companies developed specialized hand lathes to cut and shape the glass. Different glass recipes were tested to achieve greater realism.

Techniques like glass layering were also introduced. This allowed manufacturers to fuse multiple layers of glass together to form more realistic iris textures and depths. Hand painting techniques became extremely detailed, mimicking minute muscle fibers and blood vessels on the eye.

Introduction of Plastics and Acrylics

Starting in the 1950s, plastics started replacing glass as the material of choice for taxidermy eyes. Plastics provided greater flexibility and allowed more consistency in production. Acrylics helped improved durability. This made them well suited for the high volumes needed by commercial taxidermists.

These modern manufactured eyes used precision molding to capture extremely fine natural details. Hand painting continued being used to add customized colorations and finishing touches.

Important Considerations When Selecting Glass Eyes

Choosing suitable glass eyes is an integral part of quality taxidermy work. There are a few key factors to keep in mind when looking for top-notch glass eyes:

Size

Selecting the proper sized eyes helps ensure accurate scale and proportions. Eyes come in a wide range of sizes, typically measured in millimeters. Larger mammals require much bigger eyes than small birds or rodents. Match eye size closely to the animal's natural proportions.

Color

Choosing eyes with appropriate natural coloring is vital for realism. Factors like hue, saturation, pattern and opacity should mimic the animal's true eye color. Species have vastly different eye colors, from brown to amber to blue and more. Do research to get the coloration right.

Shape

The shape of the eye opening should closely match the natural eye shape of the animal species. Predators often have more oval-shaped pupil openings versus prey species with rounder pupils. Details like horizontal or vertical pupil slits are also important for some animals like goats and octopuses.

Gloss and Finish

The eye gloss or finish greatly impacts perceived realism. Certain finishes better match moist mucous eye membranes versus dry dull eyes like reptiles. Taxidermists must also account for corneal glossiness and play of light across the artificial eye.

Positioning

Consider if eyes should be forward-facing, angled, or more side-set. Proper positioning depends on the animal's natural eye placement. The viewing angle of the eye sets mood - a direct-front gaze conveys attentiveness versus relaxed sideways glance.

Tips for Replacing Glass Eyes in Taxidermy Mounts

Over time, old glass eyes may need replacing in aging taxidermy pieces. Here are some tips for smoothly switching out eyes:

Assessing Damage

Examine the current eye condition. Look for cracks, cloudiness, dullness, or fading paint that indicates a need for replacement. Gently rotate the eye to check if it freely moves or is loose and needs tightening.

Matching New Eyes

Selecting suitable new eyes involves matching the old eyes' color, size, finish and style. Use calipers to precisely measure the old eye diameter so new ones fit correctly. Take color notes and capture reference photos of the old eyes.

Removing Old Eyes

Use a hobby knife to carefully cut away bonding material attaching the old glass eyes. Slowly ease them out, wiggling gently side-to-side if needed. Ensure the eye openings are cleaned out and free of debris before inserting new eyes.

Securing New Eyes

Test fit the new replacement eyes and make any sizing adjustments needed. Apply fresh epoxy or bonding putty, reusable poster tack or thin thread when reseating them. Allow time to cure fully before display.

Touch Up Work

Blend edges of putty or epoxy into the orbital area for a seamless transition. Use acrylic paint to touch up any bonding material or paint loss around eye area. Consider a sealant spray to protect and enhance new eyes.

With proper care and replacements when needed, quality glass eyes can provide decades of realistic beauty in taxidermy work. Following sound selection principles and installation techniques allows today's taxidermists to continue creating lifelike wonders.

FAQs

How long have glass eyes been used in taxidermy?

Glass eyes are believed to have been first utilized in taxidermy during the 1780s in England. They became more popular and sophisticated during the 19th century Victorian era when taxidermy flourished in popularity.

What are some key considerations when selecting glass eyes?

Important factors include: size, color, shape, gloss/finish, and positioning. Eyes should properly fit the animal's proportions and mimic natural eye anatomy and gaze.

How can you determine if a taxidermy mount needs new glass eyes?

Signs like cracks, cloudiness, dullness, faded paint, or looseness can indicate a need to replace aging glass eyes in a taxidermy specimen.

What materials are used to make glass eyes today?

While still referred to as "glass" eyes, most modern taxidermy eyes are made from plastics or acrylics. These allow greater flexibility, durability, and mass production.

What steps should you take when replacing old glass eyes?

Important steps include: assessing old eye damage, matching new eyes, carefully removing old ones, properly fitting and securing new eyes, and performing paint touch ups as needed around the eye area.