Taxidermist is a specialist in the exotic profession

Probably, there are not so many people who can immediately say that the taxidermist is a rare profession. Although with the products produced by this master, we get acquainted at an early age. We all visited the Zoological or Local History Museum as a child. This is where we first encounter the fruits of this specialist's work.

A person has known for a long time taxidermy. Stuffed animals and birds decorated the dwellings of people many centuries ago.

Profession history

In ancient times in Russia such a master was called "effigy" or "ruffian". A special flourishing this profession has reached in the Victorian era. It was at these times that stuffed animals were not just made, they were stuffed with sawdust, straw or hay to give them the closest resemblance to a living specimen. They were objects of art and luxury.

Taxidermist is a person of a unique profession. These rare masters carefully store professional secrets and pass them only by inheritance. Old stuffed animals have been living for more than 200 years, but the secrets of their manufacture are lost, but modern products with the right technology are stored for no more than a hundred years.

Who can become a taxidermist?

Many people mistakenly believe that everyone can master this profession. But because of her unattractiveness (working with chemicals, animal corpses, etc.) she is not too popular. A good taxidermist is a person with knowledge in many areas: anatomy, zoology, he is a sculptor and an artist in one person. In addition, you need to have some knowledge of chemistry and veterinary medicine. This creativity in its pure form, after all it is necessary to achieve the maximum resemblance to the original.

Taxidermist services are in demand not only from private collectors. Many museums are proud of the works of true masters. Without such exhibits prestigious hunting clubs, mansions of rich people can not do.

Development of taxidermy

Abroad, this rare profession flourishes. In the west, the taxidermist is a specialist working on new technologies using modern materials. Get this prestigious profession can be in higher education, and you can start working only after obtaining a license. In our country there are no educational institutions where this rare profession could be obtained. Russian taxidermists work in poorly adapted premises. Only some studios are adequately equipped and can compete with foreign ones.

Taxidermist's workshop

If you get a rare chance to get into this room, then you will be struck by its similarity with the studio of the artist or sculptor. And this is not surprising. Taxidermist is a creative person. Around the sketches, drawings of animals, sculptures. You will feel the persistent smell of chemicals, paint, glue and alcohol.

Eternal dispute: is this profession humane?

There are frequent indignations about the humanity of this profession (in fact the main material for it are dead animals and birds). This is a controversial issue. With the same success in inhumanity, it is possible to blame fur farmers and representatives of all professions related to the procurement of meat. Although it should be recognized that decorating country villas can not be more important than protecting the animal world.