Things To Know About South Texas Taxidermy

By Marla Mills


In South Texas Taxidermy refers to the art of preparing, mounting, and stuffing skins of animals for purposes of display or study. Vertebrates are mostly used than the invertebrates because they have the supportive backbone, which makes them easier to work with. This process can be done to all kinds of vertebrate strains of animals including birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mammals. A person who specializes in this art is called a taxidermist.

Taxidermists are employed in museums and related institutions or they could start personal companies. Such businesses serve hunters, amateurs like hobbyists, or fishermen. The art could also be provided as a service to individual clients in residences. One needs to have knowledge in painting, tanning, sculpture, and anatomy to be a perfect taxidermist. A team of individuals with various skills can come together and form a company.

Taxidermy has a long history and dates as early as 1748 in France. The first existence of the art was birds preserved for natural history cabinets. The various techniques of mounting were discussed by someone called M. B. Stollas in the year 1752. Taxidermy had several pioneers in different countries including Denmark, Germany, and France around the time of discovery.

At the time of discovery, clay was used in shaping the soft parts of the animals. This was however changed because it made the animals very heavy when mounted on the wall. The era within which the art of taxidermy experienced a golden age was during the Victorian era. During that era, mounted animals were a very popular part of decor and interior design.

The methods used by taxidermists in their work have improved a lot over time leading to better taxidermic quality and less toxicity. Current methods involve skinning the animal first. The skinning process can be done without opening the interior cavity of the animal. The skinner therefore does not see interior parts or blood from the animal. The skin can then be tanned or sprayed with preserving chemicals depending on its type.

The tanned skin can then be mounted on a polyurethane form or a mannequin made from wire, wool, or wood. Glass eyes are installed using clay. Forms and eyes are sold on a commercial scale by various suppliers. Taxidermists can also carve their own forms that suit personal preferences. All taxidermists aim at ensuring that their work remains attractive and the results resemble living animals as much as possible.

Anthropomorphic taxidermy is a branch where the mounted creatures are displayed as though they are involved in human activities. Some people dress them like human beings. This style was most popular during the Edwadian and Victorian eras, even though they are still present in some places. Rogue taxidermic art is where mythical or animals that do not exist are created. Some of the animals made include chimeras, dragons, mermaids, unicorns, and griffins.

In South Texas Taxidermy is carried out by the best experts in this field of specialty. The experts are usually present for hiring by members of the public. They demand reasonable rates yet supply state of the art commodities and services.




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