Warwick museum's beloved resident heads off for a prehistoric makeover and a new home

For generations, visitors to Market Hall Museum have been greeted by Oisin, the giant Irish deer skeleton.

This autumn, the much-loved prehistoric specimen – which is around 11,000 years old – will be dismantled by the museum team alongside renowned palaeontological conservator Nigel Larkin, before travelling to Nigel's specialist workshop.

Oisin, who has also been a mascot for the museum on social media since 2010, will then undergo detailed conservation, assessment and remounting work to improve his long-term stability.

He will then be moved to Warwickshire Museum's Collections Centre in Hawkes Point on the Heathcote Industrial Estate, where he can be seen through the museum's behind-the-scenes store tours.

Warwickshire County Council said his new home “will not only provide an appropriate environment for his long-term care but will also help tell the fascinating story of how museums preserve and protect collections held in trust for the public”.

Jon Radley, curator of Natural Sciences, said: “Dating from around 11,000 years ago, Oisin is a composite skeleton of the extinct giant Irish deer, assembled during the nineteenth century from remains recovered from Irish peat bogs.

“He joined Warwickshire Museum's collections during the Victorian era and has fascinated generations of visitors ever since.

“He will be accessible to visitors through behind-the-scenes tours and other events. This move marks a new chapter in Oisin’s long museum life, securing his long-term protection and preservation, and public access.”

Councillor Darren Cheshire, Warwickshire County Council portfolio holder for environment, heritage and culture, said: “Oisin is one of Warwickshire Museum's most recognisable and treasured residents, so we're pleased to be giving him the care and attention he deserves.

“This conservation project is an investment in preserving an important part of our heritage, ensuring that this prehistoric giant can continue to inspire curiosity and fascination for many years to come.

“We look forward to welcoming him to his new home at the Museum Collections Centre and sharing the next stage of his journey with visitors."

Although his prehistoric origins lie in Ireland, Oisin has become an important part of Warwickshire's heritage through his long-standing association with the museum and its founders.

For more information, go to: heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk/museum