What's Included
• Introduction to the process and techniques behind basic taxidermy
• Learn how to skin, prep, preserve, mount and position the animal
• You can choose to pose your mount in a naturalist setting or be introduced to the art of anthropomorphism
• All materials, tools and specimens are provided and participants can take their work home
• A mixed selection of props are available at no extra charge, however if you have a specific project in mind please source these prior to the event
• You will form part of a small group of up to 12 participants
Bronze Workshop
• Mouse, Hamster, Rat, Guinea Pig or Mole
Silver Workshop
• Weasel, Stoat or Rogue (winged or two headed rat)
Gold Workshop
• Squirrel or Rabbit
What Can I Expect
Welcome to the Taxidermy School! Whether you find the art of taxidermy macabre or mesmerising, there’s no denying the popular of these taxidermy classes, as they regularly sell out. During these workshops you’ll learn how to skin, prepare, preserve, mount and position a rodent in all his furry glory.
These London-based taxidermy courses focus around both the traditional craft of naturalist taxidermy and the art of anthropomorphism, which became popular in the Victorian era. To put it simply, with naturalistic taxidermy your animal is in a natural pose in a natural setting. Anthropomorphic taxidermy means striking a more unusual pose and sticking like it, be it a mouse riding a motorbike, guinea pigs playing saxophones or a rat dressed as d’Artagnan.
Like we said, it’s certainly not everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s a serious buzz about these beginner taxidermy classes. The workshops have been divided into Bronze, Silver and Gold and they vary in length depending on the type/complexity of animal chosen. The most popular is without doubt mouse taxidermy in the Bronze category of classes. If you fancy something even more fantastical, try and winged or two headed rat in a rogue Silver workshop. And if you want to go big, you can even stuff squirrels or rabbits if you opt for the Gold taxidermy session.
As you’d hope, all ethically sourced specimens, taxidermy tools and materials are provided for you and no dangerous chemicals are involved. You will have to roll your sleeves up and get stuck in as your prepare the animal though, so it’s not for the fainthearted. The course is run by a Guild of Taxidermists qualified specialist and the school runs its workshops at venues in East London.
After the workshop you get to take home your creation. We can only imagine how much of a quirky talking point a mouse reading sheet music, or a squirrel dressed in a top hat and tails perched on your mantlepiece would be!
There’s no denying this range of workshops offered by this taxidermy school is ever so slightly off the wall and certainly not your usual gift experience day, but with a growing interest in everything Victoriana, these classes are filled with enthusiastic beginner taxidermists ready and waiting to get stuffing!
Availability
• Selected weekend dates throughout the year, subject to your chosen workshop and availability
Suitable For
• Minimum age 16
• Under 18s will require parental consent
Spectators
• This experience is not suitable for spectators
Anything Else I Need To Know?
• All animals are ethically sources and were not killed specifically for the workshops
• No dangerous chemicals will be used and all animals are disease free
• This class is not for the faint-hearted. There will be minimal blood and gore, but taxidermy is not for everyone
• Participants are not permitted to bring their own dead animal to the class
Location
• Crouch End, London N8
