The East London Museum is unveiling a new space for its expanding osteological collection, including a dwarf minke whale and buffalo skull, to ensure proper preservation for future research and education.
Led by museum taxidermist Christian Bill, this shift allows for better storage, accessibility, and preservation of the museum’s skeletal specimens while relocating its mounted taxidermy displays to a separate facility.
Bill said the move was necessary to support the increasing number of skeletal specimens used for research and education.
“The osteological reference collection is growing and requires a larger, more organised space.
“The retrieval of specimens is now easier, as bones are properly labelled and stored in designated locations.
“Additionally, the new storage system helps prevent deterioration by ensuring appropriate environmental conditions,” Bill said.
The museum’s collection includes a wide range of mammal, bird, reptile, and fish skeletons, with a particular focus on species relevant to East London and its surrounding environments. Some of the standout specimens include a complete dwarf minke whale skeleton, a buffalo skull, and a full donkey skeleton.
The decision to relocate the taxidermy specimens was not without its challenges. Bill and his team had to carefully handle older mounted displays that had been treated with hazardous chemicals. Proper safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), were implemented to ensure a smooth transition.
While the move was relatively seamless, some bones were difficult to catalogue accurately, as they had lost their identifying information over time.
“Some bones had no identifying information, making identifying difficult. This was addressed by cross-referencing old records and consulting experts.
”Clearing space for the bones was challenging because the older mounted specimens had been treated with hazardous chemicals. Proper precautions, including PPE and safe handling protocols, were followed to ensure safety,” Bill said.
To make retrieval and storage more efficient, the team opted for a transparent storage system, with each specimen carefully labelled and packed using appropriate materials to prevent damage.
Bill’s own journey into taxidermy was deeply personal, having followed in the footsteps of his father, Alphius Bill, who worked as an assistant to taxidermist Greg Brett.
“When I was in school, I would spend my afternoons and holidays helping out, and that’s where my passion for taxidermy and working with bones began.
“After years of learning under Brett, he was appointed as the museum’s taxidermist,” Bill shared.
Despite the challenges, Bill maintains that he finds his work deeply rewarding.
“Identifying bones can be tricky, but solving those mysteries is part of what makes the job exciting. Right now, creating space for the collection is my favourite project — it’s been a big task, but seeing everything organised and accessible makes it all worth it.”
With the newly revamped space, the museum’s osteological collection is set to expand even further, offering a well-preserved and valuable resource for generations to come.
