Biological & Natural History Materials

Biological and natural history materials are among the most vulnerable objects found in collections. Bone, horn, ivory, shell, feathers, fur, taxidermy and preserved specimens all continue to react to their environment long after the organisms from which they originated have died.

These materials can deteriorate through humidity change, light exposure, pest activity, mould, oils, salts, embrittlement and natural ageing. Damage may begin invisibly and only become obvious once structural loss, cracking, staining or infestation is already advanced.

Collectors encounter biological materials across natural history, ethnography, decorative arts, militaria, scientific instruments, maritime collections, hunting trophies and historic domestic objects. Preservation depends on understanding the specific material involved rather than treating all organic material as the same.

Featured example: Pest damage inside a mounted specimen

A taxidermy bird, mammal or trophy head may look stable on display while insect activity develops inside the mount. Early signs can be subtle: loose hairs, detached feathers, powdery debris, small exit holes or an unexplained change in smell.

By the time visible loss appears, the skin, feathers or internal stuffing may already be compromised. Routine inspection, isolation of suspect items and environmental control are often more effective than attempting major restoration after an infestation has spread.

Key areas

Bone, Antler & Horn

Understand cracking, delamination, staining and environmental risks affecting animal-derived hard materials.

Ivory & Sensitive Organic Materials

Preserve ivory, tortoiseshell, baleen and similar materials while recognising legal, ethical and documentation concerns.

Shell, Coral & Marine Materials

Care for shell, coral, mother-of-pearl and marine-derived objects vulnerable to salts, acids, abrasion and humidity change.

Taxidermy & Mounted Specimens

Manage pests, light exposure, dust, handling and ageing risks affecting preserved animal specimens and trophy mounts.

Insects & Entomological Collections

Preserve pinned insects, drawers and study collections while preventing pest infestation and physical damage.

Feathers, Fur & Hair

Protect fragile keratin-based materials found in costume, ethnographic objects, taxidermy and decorative collecting fields.

Study & Reference Specimens

Care for study specimens, geological-biological collections and scientific material intended for research, display or teaching.

Why it matters

Biological materials often deteriorate in ways that are difficult or impossible to reverse. Once cracking, pest loss, fading, desiccation or protein breakdown has occurred, stabilisation may be the only realistic option.

These objects can also carry scientific, cultural, legal and ethical significance beyond their decorative or market value. Good preservation protects evidence, context and future research potential as well as visual appearance.

Collectors who understand the vulnerabilities of biological materials can make better decisions about display, inspection, quarantine, handling and when to seek specialist conservation advice.

Common challenges

A common mistake is treating all organic materials alike. Bone, horn, ivory, feathers, shell and taxidermy respond differently to humidity, light, oils, dust and pests, so a method that is safe for one material may damage another.

Pest activity is often underestimated because early evidence can be small or hidden. Regular inspection is especially important for taxidermy, feathers, fur, insects, wool, hair, horn and older mixed-material specimens.

Legal and ethical issues can also complicate preservation decisions. Ivory, tortoiseshell, coral, taxidermy and some natural history materials may require careful documentation, responsible stewardship and awareness of restrictions before sale, transport or restoration.