THE WITCH’S DOOR: ODDITIES & TALES FROM THE ESOTERIC TO THE EXTREME

The Witch’s Door takes readers on a journey through a world of macabre and mysterious objects, art, and artifacts. From a taxidermied monkey named Mr. Peepers to a Tibetan Kapala skull adorned with coral and an eerie witch’s door, the book offers a curated glimpse into some of the most unusual items from around the world.

It shares behind-the-scenes stories of artifact collecting, including rare finds, the art of curating oddities, and encounters with eccentric characters. With stunning photos and captivating tales, The Witch’s Door is perfect for fans of the strange and intriguing.

Cover by Nicolas Bruno. Photography by David Zeck.

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A pair of glided eighteenth-century putti statues made of wood and polychrome with grotesque faces on their belles.

A pair of glided eighteenth-century putti statues made of wood and polychrome with grotesque faces on their belles.

An example of what can go terribly wrong with a piece of taxidermy, Mr. Peepers in his final stages of life.

An example of what can go terribly wrong with a piece of taxidermy, Mr. Peepers in his final stages of life.

An example of what can go terribly wrong with a piece of taxidermy, Mr. Peepers in his final stages of life.

An example of what can go terribly wrong with a piece of taxidermy, Mr. Peepers in his final stages of life.

Full scale anatomical wax “Venus” by Gustav Zieller that now resides at Quttainah Medical Museum in Kuwait. This 19th century moulage was originally housed at Castans Panopticon until the museum was closed in 1922.

Models such as these gave anatomists and people in the medical field better insight into the inner workings of the human body. Cadavers were scarce during the 19th century, so anatomists and artists worked together to create lasting models that could be used by future generations to learn from.

Various European reliquary hands that once held the relics of deceased saints.

Various European reliquary hands that once held the relics of deceased saints.

Animatronic life-size head, used as part of the special effects for the miniseries Rose Red by Stephen King.

Animatronic life-size head, used as part of the special effects for the miniseries Rose Red by Stephen King.

Oversized anatomical wax écorché bust by anatomist and artist Gustav Zeiller from the mid-nineteenth century. This wax moulage was once used to each medical students in an anatomical theater. The model was made on a larger scale to enable students se

Oversized anatomical wax écorché bust by anatomist and artist Gustav Zeiller from the mid-nineteenth century. This wax moulage was once used to each medical students in an anatomical theater. The model was made on a larger scale to enable students seated farther away to properly see the preparation.