Squirrelling away down in Hackney...

Well what a day we had on Sunday - our very first squirrel taxidermy class took place down at the wonderful Vintage Patisserie in Hackney.

Everyone did amazingly well and with a little hard work and creativity, we had a fine set of squirrels by the evening. I love seeing the different styles people choose to go with, from a sleepy little fellow in a natural pose....

....to a disco dancing squirrel, looking a tad festive with his bauble!

Everyone was quite rightly proud of themselves once they got through the slightly gory bits, and onto the fun part of sewing them back up and making them all cute and fluffy again.

Can't wait for February now to see what the next class brings. There's still a couple of spaces available for any of you who might like to join us.....head to the website for full info & booking:

www.curiousmenagerie.co.uk/

Hope to see you there!

A slice of taxidermy history

Martha Ann Maxwell (1831-1881)

Image: Taxidermy Innovator Martha Ann Maxwell

The splendid photograph above shows Martha Maxwell who was the first female field naturalist who acquired and prepared her own mounts. It was rare for a woman to show interest in such things, I really admire her spirit going against convention and following her passion.

She became inspired after seeing a local taxidermist at work, and began practicing skinning her own animals at home. She was an skilled hunter who developed new and modern procedures to skin and mount the remains of animals. Her work soon developed and she became an incredibly talented artist - it was her work that initiated the basis of modern taxidermy. She proudly exhibited her collection of preserved birds and animals at both the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia and Colorado Agricultural Society Fair in Denver. 

Martha remained a vegetarian all through her life.

Squirrel taxidermy classes have arrived - Hurrah!!

Date Sunday: 17th February 2013 

Location: Hackney E8 1HP


We are are proud to be offering a one-day squirrel taxidermy class running from 9am-6pm priced at £120. You will learn all the stages of small mammal taxidermy from skinning and cleaning to mounting and finishing, and you will leave with your completed piece by the end of the day.Feel free to bring along any props, bases or accessories if you would like to mount your squirrel in a more contemporary style!In addition, refreshments and lunch will be provided and each class member will leave with a taxidermy pack including many helpful hints on materials and techniques to help them continue to enjoy learning taxidermy in the future. Class sizes are always kept small to ensure each person gets plenty of time for one to one tuition when required.To become a skilled taxidermist takes years of practice, but after this class you will have the knowledge to create your own mounts and the option to take your interest in the art of taxidermy that one stage further! Visit our main website for full details & booking, hope to see you there! xx


http://www.curiousmenagerie.co.uk/

Hello and welcome to The Curious Menagerie. Established by Hackney based taxidermist Sarah Keen in 2012 we are here to guide those intrigued by taxidermy through specially designed one day courses in this centuries old craft. 

If you are interested in knowing more please find further details on our main website: 

http://www.curiousmenagerie.co.uk/

We provide a variety of one-day taxidermy courses to give you the skills to start doing taxidermy projects of your own. All our classes are suitable for those with no experience whatsoever and all materials will be provided.

Currently we are offering a one-day squirrel taxidermy class running from 9am-6pm priced at £120. You will learn all the stages of small mammal taxidermy from skinning and cleaning to mounting and finishing, and you will leave with your completed piece by the end of the day.

In addition, refreshments and lunch will be provided and each class member will leave with a taxidermy pack including many helpful hints on materials and techniques to help them continue to enjoy learning taxidermy in the future. Class sizes are always kept small to ensure each person gets plenty of time for one to one tuition when required.

To become a skilled taxidermist takes years of practice, but after this class you will have the knowledge to create your own mounts and the option to take your interest in the art of taxidermy one stage further.