Taxidermy courses
There are various short courses available. These courses will run for one, two or three consecutive days.
All courses are on a one to one basis.
The courses are aimed at beginners who have never attempted taxidermy before, and also at people who have some limited experience but would like to improve or expand their knowledge.
The people who have already attended these courses have found them to be a useful contribution towards their experience.
Courses will be geared towards the individual, and will run from 9 am until 4pm.
Course 1
This is a one day course where students will learn to skin a small bird (Jay or a Crow) or mammal (Stoat or weasel).
The animal will be skinned to a point where it will be ready for the next stage.
Course 2
This is a two day course.
On day one students will learn to skin a small bird (Jay or a Crow) or mammal (Stoat or weasel).
On day two we will prepare a mannequin using woodwool and wires.
Next we will mount the animal which was skinned on day one and set it up in a natural pose on a piece of driftwood. Finally artificial glass eyes will be put in to give the animal a lifelike appearance.
Carrion Crow by Ben Rhodes 2008
This is exactly the same course as courses one and two combined, but spread out over three days for students who would like to spend more time on each stage.
Stoat by Ben Rhodes 2009
Course 4
This is another three day couse in which we will be skinning and mounting a Fox mask.
Students must already have some experience at skinning mammals, and a small amount of knowledge on mounting small mammals. (An additional charge of £20 will be added to the basic cost, this is to cover the price of the glass eyes and shield).
Fox Mask, Ben Rhodes Nov 2009
The cost of the courses is £140 per person per day.
Once a date has been arranged a deposit of £50 per day will be required.
All necessary tools, materials and equipment will be supplied.