This talk will review the history and development of taxidermy as a part of our social and natural history. It will search Europe to find the oldest existing stuffed animals, comment on the use of arsenic and review styles and methods used by the multitude of businesses, small and large, that operated in the 19th and early 20th century. It considers the customers, ranging from huntsmen to bird collectors and householders. A brief comparison is made with developments in American taxidermy. Bad taxidermy is contrasted with how professional taxidermists now strive to attain perfection in this field of artistic endeavour. Lots of different stories, to show that taxidermy has multiple dimensions. People shouldn’t hurry past the next time they see a stuffed animal, but stop and think “Hmm, that’s interesting…”
