Mice Spotted in Local Shop Window

Chiswick deli's unorthodox and controversial display gets positive response

Mice in a food shop are usually bad news for business but Mortimer and Bennett are reporting an enthusiastic response to their current window display.

It features a miniature scene of 9 mice feasting on a banquet of cheese and is the creation of Mabel Edwards. Mabel, who works as an assistant manager at Mortimer and Bennett on Turnham Green Terrace, is also a fine art taxidermist.

She told us, "The display is a little controversial as mice are not to everybody's liking, but there is a sign in the window to explain how the display was created ethically, hygienically and by a member of the UK Guild of Taxidermists."

Dan Mortimer added, "'We love the window display Mabel has created, it has attracted a lot of positive attention from our regular customers."

Mabel Edwards

Taxidermy is being taken seriously in the art world for the first time since the Victorian era with artists like David Shrigley, Polly Morgan, Damien Hirst and Tessa Farmer giving it credibility and it is now seen as 'in vogue'.

Mabel started incorporating taxidermy into her artwork from 2011 after studying fashion for a National Diploma in which she achieved a triple distinction.

She is predominantly self-taught in the practice though she adheres to all the regulations of The UK Guild Of Taxidermists which has strict rules on the sourcing and treatment of the animals used.

You can see more of Mabel's work on her Facebook page.

June 10, 2013