Taxidermy

We frequently host Taxidermy for beginners at Barts Pathology Museum. Along the lines of a 'Knit & Natter' afternoon, we named the class "Stuff & Nonsense" as the classes are fun and informal and you have a chance to chat as you go about creating your piece.
They are taught by Amanda Sutton of Amanda's Autopsies, a taxidermist who has created pieces for Ted Baker and exhibited at The Florence Nightingale Museum and Bexley Hall

Photo courtesy of P.G.W. Smith

Amanda has mainly been influenced by Walter Potter, who was one of the first to dress up preserved animals in costumes. When the Potter collection was split up and sold on to private collectors a few years back, Amanda wanted to recreate some of the pieces herself as most of the collection would never be seen by the public again.

She now creates generic taxidermy, jewellery, wet specimens and steampunk themed pieces on commission as a self-funding hobby, and occasionally performs live taxidermy for educational purposes.

Amanda doesn’t use animals that were killed for taxidermy, she uses reptile feed, road kill and animals that died naturally. (In the case of reptile feed, this is purchased from Simons Rodents.  Email address  sales@simonsrodents.co.uk.   01767 651872 and their  frozen food contains on the label a Defra approval no  05-381-0033 IP.
She does taxidermy to preserve the beauty of the animal.

Amanda is also a follower of The British Historical Taxidermy Society, who help museums to keep their collections in good condition and on display, rather than being neglected from lack of funds and backing. Taxidermy is an important part of learning, antique taxidermy should be treasured for future generations, some of these animals may not be around in a few years time.

Photo Courtesy of P.G.W. Smith

The classes start at  at 12:30pm (although we ask that you arrive from 12:00 midday for a prompt start). They usually last until around 5pm but there is a refreshment break half-way through and we provide you with sandwiches, crisps and hot or cold drinks. Equipment and animals are provided and we usually give out a prize for the best piece. All this costs just £50 (plus booking fee). Further information including a map is sent to the booked attendees via e-mail and you can see the map on our Museum Info page. Contact pathology.museum.bookings@gmail.com to be put on the mailing list. These classes sell out very quickly so make sure you're on the mailing list!
*NB - refunds for taxidermy can only be offered up to a week before the event.