Polly Morgan

I received a call from my Dad last night with the news my cat Suki, had been put down. Although initially quite sad, I picked myself up with the fond memories we had together in the 20 (human) years she was alive - 90 cat years! Something I wouldn't feel quite right doing to a beloved pet is getting her stuffed to sit on the mantelpiece for years to come. However, taxidermy as an art form is a beautiful way of preserving an animal which would otherwise be forgotten.

Polly Morgan is an artist who uses the bodies of donated animals to create beautiful works of art, presenting these animals in a very modern, beautiful way. She alters the common surroundings we would associate with the animal, creating still lives in unique situations and asking the viewer to reconsider their preconceptions about the animal.

The still lives (quite literally) are extremely peaceful, and almost make me forget the animals in question were once living creatures. I think her work is amazingly unique, bringing a contemporary edge to an age old British skill. Though it seems I am not the only one - counting Kate Moss and Sharleen Spiteri as collectors of her pieces, she has made taxidermy cool again!