£15 members/£18 non-members

This talk from Oliver Flory, General Manager of the Georgian Group, will examine the ‘consumption’ of exotic animals over the course of the long 18th century and pose the questions; to what extent were exotic animals treated as consumer goods and how abundant were they in the 18th century? It will focus initially on the trade; the merchants, animal dealers, and itinerant traders, their places of business, and public menageries such as that at Exeter Change. Secondly, it will deal with how animals were ‘consumed’ and treated in the home; as pets, as ornaments to a landscape, as denizens of a menagerie collection, as scientific curiosities, and overall as signifiers of prestige and taste, as well as examining the industries associated with animal ownership. Thirdly, it will attempt to survey the industries that relied on by-products from exotic species and how these were used by society at large.

The talks starts at 6.30pm, doors open from 6.15pm.

Georgian Group members are eligible for a discount on their ticket by entering GGMEMBER at the checkout.

A recording of this lecture will be made available after the event. If you would like to purchase a ticket to watch the recording only, please click here.

Please read our Terms and Conditions before booking.

If tickets have sold out for this event, please email members@georgiangroup.org.uk to be added to the waiting list.