HISTORY

BOUTEN
FOUR GENERATIONS OF TAXIDERMY HISTORY
BY DAN RINEHART

Family and business can sometimes be a very difficult combination (as I know all too well!). The majority of family businesses do not make it into, or past, the second generation. This is primarily due to poor planning and an inability to acknowledge one's mortality. As in all areas of life, however, there are shinning exceptions to the rule. The finest example of family tradition and continued heritage in taxidermy comes from a family of taxidermists from Venlo, Holland. Since 1918, the Bouten Family has managed a successful taxidermy business through four generations.

LEO. From 1918 to 1948, Leo Bouten founded and managed Bouten Taxidermy. At first, Leo was a saddle maker with taxidermy as a hobby. It soon became clear to Leo that he could make more money at taxidermy. At that time, the taxidermy knowledge available in Holland was very limited. Holland's eastern neighbor, Germany, however, was the center for taxidermy knowledge in Europe. To gain the knowledge needed, Leo invited a German taxidermist to come to Holland and teach his techniques. Other German taxidermists continued to visit and work with the Boutens until 1938 when it became evident that Hitler desired to conquer Europe. All German taxidermists were then required to return to Germany. It was also at this time that Leo entered the military to protect Holland, so Jac's brother, Frans Bouten, became manager and protected the family and business.

JAC. From 1948 to 1988, Jac Bouten managed the business, and under Jac's management, Bouten Taxidermy expanded into a...

...Continued in the Summer 2001 Issue of Breakthrough.

If you want to subscribe or receive back issues, please select one of the following options: