My sister, a champion of “sister bonding” through activities I’d typically avoid, convinced me to join her for an anthropomorphic taxidermy class. While the concept seemed a bit… out there, the experience turned out to be surprisingly engaging and even, dare I say, heartwarming. This is my field guide to taxidermy and more specifically, my experience with A Field Guide and their unique approach to this unusual art form.
Anthropomorphic taxidermy involves preserving animals and imbuing them with human-like characteristics, actions, and accessories. Think squirrels in tiny school uniforms, or gerbils dressed as nurses. While the finished product can be undeniably cute, the process initially struck me as unsettling. My personal ethics lean towards vegetarianism, avoiding leather, and opposing animal testing, so the idea of stuffing animals wasn’t exactly my cup of tea.
However, A Field Guide addresses the ethical concerns in a thoughtful way. The mice used in their Anthropomorphic Mouse class are sourced from a pet food company in Northampton. These mice are initially frozen as snake food, but any that remain unsold after a few months are typically incinerated. By using these “past their due date” mice, A Field Guide gives these creatures a purpose beyond becoming waste. Their bodies are used for education in anatomy and taxidermy, meaning their deaths aren’t entirely in vain, and no animals are killed specifically for the class.
With the ethics addressed, the class itself proved to be a well-structured and beginner-friendly introduction to taxidermy. The instructor was patient and engaging, providing clear, step-by-step instructions and thorough demonstrations. The pace was well-managed, accommodating both faster and slower learners. Those who picked things up quickly could focus on extra grooming and fluffing, while those who needed more time were given gentle encouragement without feeling rushed.
The process, admittedly, does involve a degree of gore. However, I found it surprisingly similar to preparing a chicken for dinner. As someone who is easily squeamish, I did require assistance with one particular step (the eyes—I just couldn’t handle them!). I was reassured that this was a common aversion, and the instructor was happy to assist.
The class covers skinning and thoroughly cleaning the mouse, but the real fun begins when you start to bring your mouse back to life. You learn the basics of preservation and stuffing, and then you get to make aesthetic decisions that bring out the character of your little guy. How plump should his cheeks be? What gestures should his arms be making?
Participants are encouraged to bring their own accessories, and there are some available to use, including adorable plastic top hats. My sister brought a vintage dollhouse toilet for her mouse to sit on, while I chose delicate silk flowers from John Lewis’ haberdashery department for mine.
Here are some pictures of my little guy:
I developed a soft spot for his expression, imagining he was bringing flowers to a date and being struck speechless by her beauty.
Despite my newfound affection, I’m not entirely convinced taxidermy is for me. However, this class was a charming and educational introduction to a surprisingly engaging pastime. It’s perfect for beginners, and it’s easy to see how it could spark a lifelong hobby for many.
Here are some photos of the other mice created in the class – including a “Gangster Mouse” and my sister’s mouse perched on his Victorian toilet.
To keep my little mouse preserved and looking his best, I purchased a glass bell jar from Nordic House (a bargain at £6.95!) and a piece of slate for him to stand on.
We booked our Anthropomorphic Mouse Taxidermy class with A Field Guide at Boxpark Shoreditch. You can find out more about A Field Guide and their upcoming classes here.
Final Thoughts
This class provided a unique introduction to the world of taxidermy. It balanced the technical aspects with creative expression, all while maintaining a respectful and ethical approach. If you’re looking for an unusual and memorable experience, A Field Guide’s anthropomorphic taxidermy class is definitely worth considering. It might just be the start of a fascinating new hobby, or, at the very least, a great story to tell.
