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Taxidermist

Do you want to become a Taxidermist? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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Taxidermists reconstruct and mount the skins of animals, birds and fish so that they have a lifelike appearance. They do this by:

• studying the natural pose of the species concerned
• making a framework using wood, steel rods, plastic, fibreglass or papier-mâché
• skinning the animal and tanning the skin
• arranging the skin around the framework and attaching the skull
• fitting and sewing the skin, including fur or feathers, over the framework
• adding teeth, claws and glass or acrylic eyes, and finally mounting the specimen.

Taxidermists often have to create a natural-looking background for the display of the specimen, such as a forest tableau. To do this accurately, they must have a good knowledge of the habitat in which the animal lived.

Taxidermists are normally based in a workshop, sometimes situated in their own homes. Some taxidermists work in natural history museums. Hours are flexible and part-time work is available. They may be exposed to chemicals and could become sensitive to bird feathers and dust.

Salaries range from around £12,000 to £50,000 a year.

Taxidermists need to:

• have artistic talent and a good knowledge of anatomy
• be good with their hands and able to do detailed work
• have patience and good concentration
• be interested in wildlife and have an appreciation of natural history.

Employment is available in larger commercial firms in the UK, and in some museums and universities. There are also opportunities in Europe, Africa and the USA.

There are no nationally recognised requirements for entry into a commercial taxidermy firm. Most taxidermists enter the work at a junior level, learning from experienced colleagues. For entry to a junior post in a UK museum, three to five GCSEs/S grades or the equivalent, including English, maths, art, biology and/or a technical subject, would be required. There is no age limit for this type of work.

Training is undertaken on the job and can take several years. Some commercial taxidermy firms may offer apprenticeships which usually last from three to five years. However, most people have to pay to do a course in taxidermy and then practice for a few years to become fully competent.

A taxidermist working in a museum could be promoted to the role of a specialised curator (head of department). Many taxidermists are self-employed and there are good opportunities for working overseas.

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