Learn Taxidermy!
From 10:30am until teatime with a museum taxidermist, either watch while he mounts your favourite game bird, or join in as he guides you, step by step through the process of preserving a fish or small mammal, to take home with you.
"I attended a taxidermy course at Stratford-Upon-Avon hosted by the very talented Mark Winston-Smith. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone remotely interested in Taxidermy. The day started with the law then we went onto methods of tanning and preservation and finally, the moment we had all been waiting for, the real thing! So if you are interested, book up and be first in line to obtain a place on a very enjoyable weekend"
F Freestone Cambs
That quotation was printed in the Shooting Times 11 years ago and the British School of Taxidermy has continued to enthral learners from all over Britain ever since.
One concise private course, or two, more relaxed, shared days spent with Mark Winston-Smith (the Principal and a museums taxidermist himself for almost 3 decades) will give the satisfaction of taking home a fully mounted bird, fish or mammal and all the knowledge you will need to continue practising alone. There is an ongoing backup service for you, once enrolled with BST, so that you can email or telephone the School with any problems you may encounter whilst developing your new found skill.
Additionally there is a series of reference DVDs for the beginners' courses, which have just become accredited units for an Open College Network Certificate. These will be highly sought after, now that Taxidermy has at last become a subject worthy of recognition, to be taught in selected agricultural colleges as a further skill for those on gamekeeping courses.
If Taxidermy has long been a collecting hobby and you have had some interest in learning, but realize you have insufficient time to devote practice, why not choose the spectator's option and bring your favourite small bird specimen from the freezer to a private demonstration day with Mark? You still take home all the practical knowledge gained whilst watching and chatting, as well as a quality mount to treasure without even having to get your hands dirty!
FAQS About The Courses
Q - Where are they held?
A - The BST is approximately equidistant from Shrewsbury and the Mid Wales coast, easily accessible by car along the A 470 and by rail as far as Caersws station, the home of BASC Wales.
Q - What time do they start?
A - 10:30am, to allow time for those with long distances to travel. There are plenty of hotels and B+Bs (see accommodation page) to choose from, however, to make your day more relaxing at either end!
Q - Do I have to supply anything in the way of tools or specimens?
A - Not unless you want to do the "Spectator's Day" in which case you will need to discuss your own specimen or select a bird from Mark's frozen collection.
Q - How do I book, for myself or a friend?
A - Send your enrolment details (name, address & phone number) by email, together with your preferred dates (include at least one alternative) and subjects (bird, fish, mammal, or as a spectator) and we will do our best to accommodate your choices. The booking becomes confirmed on payment of 50% fees and overnight accommodation if required, with the balance being payable on arrival at the course.
You can find out more at www.theonlytaxidermist.com