Rat or Rogue (two headed and winged rat) Taxidermy Workshop

The Natural History Museum is one of London’s most popular destinations but what are the techniques that lie behind the preservation process that immortalised these animals for future study? This is a unique opportunity to visit the studio of London’s leading taxidermist Suzette Field and create a bespoke piece of taxidermy. In a small class, you will be introduced to the processes and techniques behind basic taxidermy. You will learn how to skin, prep, preserve, mount and position your rat. You can choose to mount it realistically or using rogue taxidermy techniques to create a winged or two-headed rat. This process is described as "a genre of pop-surrealist art characterised by mix media sculptures containing conventional taxidermy materials that are used in an unconventional manner." At the end of the day, you can take your stuffed creation home to occupy pride of place on your mantelpiece. Please rest assured that all rats are ethically sourced and were not killed for the purpose of taxidermy.  The rats were bred as feeder animals for snakes and lizards. Not only would they be discarded if they weren’t sold but the reptiles who eat them wouldn’t be able to survive if the feeder rodents weren’t commercially available. Unlike us omnivores the majority of reptilian species don’t have the option of being vegetarian. All materials plus tea, cakes and a light vegetarian lunch will be provided.