by Museum Assistant Peggy Banks
The Barltrop family home – atmospheric and frozen in time – is now known as the Founder’s House, within the museum Campus.
In Octavia’s/Mabel’s bedroom is a taxidermy jackdaw in a cage close to the window. It is interesting to read the caption which states ‘This jackdaw was given to the Panacea Museum in 2023, the donor had undertaken the taxidermy themselves; the bird had died from natural causes. The cage is a replica constructed onsite by our maintenance manager.’
This jackdaw is an unexpected and delightful exhibit, especially considering the Society’s no pets policy.
The original jackdaw made his surprise appearance on 14 February 1924, busily surveying Octavia’s bedroom, having used his beak to part the lace curtains. Octavia named him Sir Jack Daw who became a close companion to Octavia and other members of the Society. Sir Jack escaped on 17 March 1929, returning six hours later. Perhaps he missed his human friends and ready supply of food.
Sir Jack with Octavia
Sir Jack would have fulfilled some human emotional needs with nature, companionship and attachment.
Jackdaws belong to the crow family, recognisable due to the appearance of a black cap and grey shawl, fitting apparel for the Victorian era. Jackdaws are known to be highly intelligent, sociable, curious, capable of recognising faces and forming friendships with people. They choose a mate for life which illustrates a trait of devotion.
On a superstitious note they have been seen as omens of marriage, a new arrival and death.
For Octavia Sir Jack was a Divine omen – a messenger from God.
