Taxidermist

Taxidermists:
Taxidermy, the art of preparing and preserving animal skin mounts, has fascinated people for centuries. While it may seem morbid to some, for many taxidermists their work is a form of art that preserves an animal’s memory and brings beauty to the world. The job of a taxidermist requires creativity, patience, and technical skills to make animal skins look lifelike and natural.

History of Taxidermy
Taxidermy has been practiced for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt around 3300 BC. The Egyptians preserved animals and people by removing the internal organs and filling the skin with materials like natron, a naturally occurring salt mixture. They did this as a way to preserve animals for religious reasons and to preserve the bodies of loved ones.

During the early Renaissance, natural history collections became popular among European royalty and scholars. Specimens stuffed with hay and straw were created to populate natural history museums and private collections. These crude attempts at taxidermy improved over time as taxidermists learned new tanning and mounting techniques.

In the 19th century, Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution sparked great interest in natural history. Taxidermy became more complex and realistic as taxidermists perfected their craft. Some of the greatest taxidermists in history like Carl Akeley and William Hornaday pioneered techniques that are still used today.

Today, taxidermy remains popular as a hobby and as an art form. While there are fewer professional taxidermists than in the past, technology has made new materials more widely available and information more accessible, helping amateur taxidermists create lifelike mounts.

The Role of a Modern Taxidermist
The role of a taxidermist today is similar to the past, but with some important differences:

Preserving Specimens
The primary role of a taxidermist is to skillfully and artistically recreate the appearance of an animal after the animal has died. The taxidermist preserves the skin, fur, feathers, and other external features of the animal in a lifelike arrangement.

Working With Customers
Taxidermists work closely with hunters, researchers, and private clients to determine how the animal should be mounted and positioned. Customers provide details about the animal’s history and preferred pose. The taxidermist then works to create a mount that honors the wishes of the customer while showcasing their skill.

Using New Materials
Modern taxidermists often use synthetic materials like plastics, resins, and foam to recreate missing body parts and mount specimens. They also use synthetic tanning solutions and adhesives that allow for a wider range of poses. While some purists prefer natural materials, synthetics allow for more creativity and versatility.

Handling Specimens
Taxidermists must be able to handle, skin, and preserve a wide range of animals from small songbirds to big game. They learn multiple techniques to ensure every specimen is handled properly to preserve details like claw marks, tooth impressions, and facial features.

Artistic Ability
While technical skills are required, artistic ability is also important. Taxidermists must think creatively and envision how the animal should look in its final, mounted form. They determine lighting, textures, and proportions to create a realistic yet aesthetically pleasing piece of art.

Maintaining Mounts
Once the mount is completed, taxidermists will often provide recommendations to customers on how to maintain and store the mount properly. Over time, specimens may dry out and require rehydration. Customers may return specimens for maintenance and repairs.

Training and Education for Taxidermists
Traditionally, taxidermists learned their craft through apprenticeships with experienced taxidermists. Today, there are still some taxidermists who learned through mentorship, but more formal options exist.

Some colleges offer one or two year taxidermy certificate programs that teach both technical and artistic skills. Coursework includes anatomy, basic taxidermy techniques, use of tools and equipment, and how to address different mounting challenges.

For those who want to learn on their own, there are many online resources and taxidermy supply companies that offer books, DVDs, and workshops. Some state conservation agencies also offer basic taxidermy courses open to the public.

Continuing education is important to stay up to date on new materials, techniques, and trends. Many taxidermists join professional associations where they can network with other taxidermists and learn from each other.

While there are no government licensing requirements to be a taxidermist, adhering to federal and state laws regarding the possession, transportation, and sale of wildlife specimens is important. Taxidermists should also maintain high standards for skill, professionalism, and ethics.

In summary, while technology has changed the materials and methods used in taxidermy, the role of the taxidermist remains the same – to skillfully and artistically recreate the likeness of an animal or other creature after death in a way that honors and preserves its life and memory for future generations. For those with a passion for wildlife and creativity, a career as a taxidermist can be deeply fulfilling and creative work.

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Client: Wood & Water – Taxidermist

Award: Graphis

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