June 7th:Today's Feature

June

John Edmonstone, a prominent figure in the field of taxidermy, served as both a taxidermist and a teacher of taxidermy in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, Scotland. His expertise and knowledge in this specialised craft made him a respected individual within the community.

Early Life

Despite his significant contributions to the art of taxidermy, John Edmonstone's early life was marked by adversity. He was born into slavery on a wood plantation in Demerara, British Guiana, which is known today as Guyana in South America. The surname 'Edmonstone' was bestowed upon him by his slave-owner, Charles Edmonstone, who not only owned the plantation but also the Cardross Park estate in Scotland.

An influential Black Briton, John Edmonstone's legacy extends beyond his work in taxidermy. His encounter with the naturalist Charles Waterton in 1812 proved to be a pivotal moment in his life, as Waterton took the time to impart his knowledge of taxidermy to Edmonstone during his visit to the plantation. This interaction played a crucial role in shaping Edmonstone's career and solidifying his reputation in the field.

Career

Edmonstone arrived in Scotland in 1817 and potentially became a servant to the Edmonstone family at Cardross Park. However, upon his arrival, he was freed and found employment in Glasgow. He later moved to Edinburgh and established a taxidermy shop on Lothian Street in 1823. From this shop, he taught taxidermy to students from the nearby University of Edinburgh, including a young Charles Darwin in 1826, when Darwin was aged between 15-17. Edmonstone's expertise in preserving birds quickly before decomposition proved valuable to Darwin, particularly in preserving his Galapagos finches.

As his reputation grew, Edmonstone began working for the Royal Museum of the University and relocated his taxidermy shop to Princes Street, one of Edinburgh's main shopping areas. He initially opened at number 29 and later moved to number 66. In the 1840s, he relocated once again to 10 South St David's Street. Edmonstone's vivid descriptions of the tropical rainforests in South America likely inspired Darwin and may have influenced his decision to explore the region. Although Darwin never explicitly mentioned Edmonstone by name, research conducted by R. B. Freeman suggests that Edmonstone was indeed Darwin's teacher in taxidermy.

Legacy

In 2009, the London arts venue Kings Place commissioned a plaque to honour Edmonstone, which was to be crafted by the prestigious Wedgwood porcelain firm. The plaque was intended to be displayed at Negociants Bar on Lothian Street in Edinburgh. Unfortunately, over time, the plaque has gone missing, leaving its whereabouts unknown. Despite this setback, the gesture to commemorate Edmonstone's contributions remains significant.

Edmonstone holds a place of honour among the "100 Great Black Britons," a title that recognises his impact and legacy. His story is one of resilience, determination, and achievement, making him a notable figure in British history. The recognition of Edmonstone as one of the "100 Great Black Britons" highlights his importance and the lasting impact he has had on society.

A poem written from the perspective of John Edmonstone was featured in the Winter 2019 edition of African American Review, offering a unique insight into his life and experiences. Through the power of poetry, readers can connect with Edmonstone on a deeper level, gaining a greater understanding of his journey and the challenges he faced. This poetic tribute serves as a poignant reminder of Edmonstone's enduring legacy and the mark he has left on history.