Frequently Asked Questions
Is it ethical?
Ethics are entirely subjective so this is a difficult question to answer and it depends on what 'ethical' means to you! I try to keep my practice ethical and sustainable. I predominantly only work on animals that have died of natural or accidental causes. I will also occasionally re-purpose animals which have been pest controlled, however I am mindful how I source these animals. I will only acquire pest controlled animals that have already been 'despatched' under licence. I will not send 'shopping-lists' to pest-controllers and I will only take what they have already frozen, either for use in taxidermy or as animal feed.
Taxidermy makes use of deceased animals to educate about current and future populations, and inspire people to care for the natural world. There is an argument that taking deceased animals from the environment is removing a resource of nutrients for living flora and fauna, however all animals die, and so the bodies taken for taxidermy are a very insignificant fraction of the carrion available in nature. Where possible I will return carcasses to nature once I have removed the skin and parts used for my work.
Although I understand and appreciate beliefs that animals should be left to rest in peace after death, I do not feel I prevent this with my work. I treat all animals with respect throughout the process. My work allows them to have purpose post-death, as a source of scientific data, a record of the species and an educational specimen.
How can I learn taxidermy?
I am not currently delivering courses due to recently re-locating to Leeds, West Yorkshire and not currently having the facilities to teach.
If you'd like to be notified if/when I start offering beginner's bird taxidermy courses again, you can add yourself to my mailing list by scrolling to the bottom of my home page and typing your email address into the box.
You can also find out about future public demos via Instagram, as I post on my stories when I have upcoming events.
Joining the UK Guild of Taxidermists is a good way to start learning taxidermy www.taxidermy.org.uk The Guild hold bi-annual events around England where taxidermists exhibit their work and offer talks and demos suitable for all experience levels.
Do you do pets?
Yes and no! I will only accept pet commissions if it is a species which aligns with my specialisms. When mounting pets, I use reference photos and listen to the recommendations of the owner to replicate the animal’s appearance in life. However, there are limitations and the true likeness of your pet cannot be expected from the process of taxidermy. Where possible, when I do not feel comfortable accepting a commission to mount your pet, I will recommend a taxidermist who I know will be able to create a high quality memorial.
