Visiting Peter the Taxidermist
Peter, West Cumbria's self-titled 'hobbyist' of a taxidermist and top all round craftsman happens to live two doors down from my great aunt and uncle. His whole house is practically a museum with multiple projects on the go as you navigate your way round and coming from someone who was quite reluctant at the sound of visiting a taxidermy workshop, it's absolutely fascinating to see in person and learn about the skills, techniques and materials he uses.
Its important for me to note here that all animals he finds have died of natural causes. Often roadkill or given to him from sanctuaries and such places when the animal has died of old age. In this respect Peter is giving these animals a new lease of life. There is no arrogance in his works and they all have a sense of respect and gentleness, sacrificing hours to each piece to create every detail and accuracy. From adding a pearlescent gold ring to the pupil of a carp eye to individually pinning each layer of feather on a bird as pictured above on the tawny owl. Speaking of giving these animals a new lease of life, my favourite aspect of Peter's taxidermy style is how 'alive' these animals look. When thinking of taxidermy I pictured old battered deer trophy hunted and mounted on the wall with a pride in displaying the fact they are well and truly dead. Peter's works are so well observed and crafted they often give an illusion of life and animation as in the owl pictured above; the positioning of a slightly tensed bottom eyelid fills the bird with character and makes it look as if it will blink at any moment. Peter is a true craftsman and artist who has spent a lifetime studying animals with a respect and enthusiasm for nature that is admirable. I think it can be easy to be judgemental of taxidermy, but seeing someone do it properly in this manner and for there to be no link to the dominating of animals or old fashioned hunting practices has made me realise it is not as black and white as I have previously thought.
Not only did I get to see some interesting works but I have learned more about some painting and sculpting methods. Peter paints every background, sculpts every scene and moulds every body. Using materials such as wax, wood, fibreglass and many more to create a piece and natural scene from start to finish. I have taken away some knowledge and skills such as sculpting with paper pulp and plaster and mould making that I am going to consider making use of in my own sculpture works.
