Events and tutorials
The Guild of Taxidermists holds a two Day Conference each year and two one-day seminars, one north and one south.
All have a full programme of illustrated talks and demonstrations.
At the Annual Conference members are invited to bring along examples of their work to take part in competitions and have specimens judged for Accredited, Specialist and Master status (the only qualifications available for taxidermists in the UK). Work can also be displayed at the one-day seminars for Credit judging, credits go toward gaining Accredited and Specialist status.
The informal atmosphere is ideal for those interested in finding out more about the subject, whilst making new friends and exploring the possibility of career opportunities.
See Competition Winners in the Gallery section for winners of previous years Conference competitions.
Members will receive information on all these events
This years Seminars are:
Please Note !
Booking is essential for both Northern and Southern seminars. The Guild reserve the right to cancel seminars if attendance is low.
We require a minimum of 15 confirmed delegates before we can proceed with the event
SOUTHERN SEMINAR - Saturday 11th September at Sutton Bonington Campus 10am - 3pm
To include
fish Taxidermy by Barry williams
Case making By Rob Marshall
Admission is £5 to confirm your booking please call Rob marshall on 0779 083 1987 The deadline for booking to attend this event is 14th August.
NORTHERN SEMINAR - Saturday 23rd October at Lancashire Conservation studios,St Marys Church
St. Mary's street. Preston PR1 4YP
Full programme to follow shortly
CONFERENCE 2011
The Hayes Conference Centre Swanwick Alfreton Derbyshire
18th - 20 th March 2011
(Friday night to Sunday lunch time)
For those who attended last year, this year's conference promises to be just as informative, enjoyable and affordable with a programme packed with plenty of practicable advice, help and useful tricks of the trade designed to help all levels of ability.
Set in the beautiful countryside of Derbyshire, the Hayes Conference Centre has been selected not only for its excellent facilities but also the onsite accommodation and other amenities which should help to make the stay very enjoyable.
The conference starts on Friday 19th March with sessions starting on Saturday morning and continuing right through until Sunday lunch time. There will be ample time to purchase supplies and speak to other members over the weekend and the Guild's committee members will also be on hand to help. The conference is an excellent opportunity to meet old friends and new members, to enjoy the conference sessions and to learn more from each other.
Conference sessions will hopefully include but have yet to be finalised:
- A variety of different demonstrations which have yet to be confirmed -
- The usual, and very entertaining, Historical talk
- The legal updates
The Competitions will include Best Bird, Best Mammal, Best Fish/Reptile, Best Game Head in both professional and amateur categories plus Best Artistic Interpretation of a Theme, Best Groundwork, Best Cased Exhibit and Best in Show.
The Avian challenge proved very popular at the 2010 conference so it will be repeated again 2011
AVIAN CHALLENGE UK 2011
This competition tests taxidermist's ability to create a mount which exactly reproduces the pose of a bird in a set photo.
The competition is open to all, is anonymous* and the judging will be led by two experienced bird taxidermists who will encourage audience and entrant participation in the elimination process. This will educate all, from complete novices to the most experienced in learning how to evaluate their own work. The ability to self critique is an aspect of taxidermy which is difficult for the individual working on their own to master. This competition is designed to improve our skills in an entertaining, relaxed and informative manner.
The challenge will be a Magpie ( follow this link to see the image) http://www.birdphoto.fi/lajikuvat/kuvahtml/0picpic028.html
Entries must be on a plain painted or sealed base 8" x 8" with no ground work or labelling.
* Anonymous in that entries will have a number and only the name of the winner will be announced.
Please follow link from the Home page for updates to this event.
NEW MEMBERS DON'T FORGET!
As a new member you qualify for a £25 discount on the cost of your first Conference.
The Conference is open to all taxidermists or those interested in taxidermy and membership of the Guild is not a necessity.
The venue provides comfortable accommodation, plenty of parking space, good food and a bar and promises to be a unique, informative and interesting weekend. If you are interested in joining the Guild of Taxidermists you can fill in our application form.
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The Guild of Taxidermists was founded in 1976 to raise standards and awareness in taxidermy and is recognised as the leading body by Police, wildlife organisations and Natural England (formerly DEFRA formerly Department of the Environment).