How to Care for Taxidermy So It Lasts a Lifetime
Taxidermy is not just décor. It is art, craftsmanship, and a slightly eccentric housemate who never moves and always gets comments from visitors.
Look after it properly and a well made taxidermy piece will last for decades. Quite possibly longer than your sofa. Maybe even longer than you.
If you are new to taxidermy or already have a few curious residents around the house, this guide explains how to care for taxidermy so it stays looking good, behaves itself, and lives a long and happy life.
Why Taxidermy Care Is Actually Worth Thinking About
Good taxidermy is made to last, but it is still made from natural materials. Fur, feathers, and skin have moods. Mostly about light, heat, and moisture.
A little care will help your taxidermy:
· Keep its colour and character
· Avoid drying out or cracking
· Stay solid and structurally sound
· Hold its value over time
The reassuring bit is that taxidermy is far less fragile than people assume. It just appreciates a bit of common sense and a decent spot to live.
If you are thinking about buying taxidermy, starting with professionally prepared pieces makes everything much easier from day one.
Browse our taxidermy collection
Where Taxidermy Likes to Live
If taxidermy could pick its ideal home, it would be somewhere calm, comfortable, and definitely not in full sun all afternoon.
Keep It Out of Direct Sunlight
Sunlight is taxidermy’s sworn enemy. Over time it can fade fur and feathers and dry out the skin.
Bright rooms are absolutely fine. A dramatic sunbeam roasting the same spot every afternoon is not. When choosing a piece, it is worth having a quick think about where it will live before it arrives.
Many of our one off taxidermy pieces work beautifully as statement features in shaded corners, alcoves, or on feature walls.
Aim for Steady Conditions
Taxidermy likes the same sort of environment most of us do. Not too hot, not too cold, and nothing too damp.
Try to avoid placing taxidermy:
· Above radiators or next to wood burners
· In bathrooms or steamy kitchens
· Against damp or poorly insulated outside walls
Consistency matters far more than perfection.
How to Dust Taxidermy Without Panicking
Good news. Taxidermy does not need cleaning products, water, or anything from under the sink.
Gentle Dusting Is Plenty
· Use a soft, dry paint brush
· Always brush in the direction the fur or feathers naturally sit
· A gentle once over with a hairdryer on low heat and speed can also be used. Again, just make sure that the air flow follows the direction of the fur or feathers
Please do not introduce water, sprays, or “just a quick wipe”. Taxidermy does not enjoy that at all. If you need to brighten the eyes at any point, you can use a gentle baby wipe but only do this when necessary.
Quality taxidermy should look good with very little effort, which is exactly how all pieces in our shop are prepared.
Keeping Moths and Other Tiny Menaces Away
Moths and carpet beetles are the main troublemakers when it comes to taxidermy, but they are easily discouraged.
Simple Prevention Does the Job
· Keep the surrounding area clean and dust free
· Avoid long term storage in lofts, garages, or cellars
· Give your pieces a quick check every so often
If you spot loose fur underneath a piece or thinning patches, deal with it early. Like most problems, it is much easier when caught quickly.
Starting with properly tanned and professionally mounted taxidermy massively reduces pest risks.
How to Handle Taxidermy Without Offending It
Taxidermy is sturdier than it looks, but it still deserves respectful handling.
· Always lift from the base or solid body
· Never pick pieces up by ears, tails, antlers, or wings
· Avoid unnecessary moving about
· Keep well away from pets who think everything is a toy
Many of our pieces are designed with stable bases or secure mounts to make displaying them nice and straightforward.
Shop freestanding and wall mounted taxidermy
Storing Taxidermy Calmly and Correctly
If your taxidermy needs to be stored for a while, perhaps during a house move or reshuffle, do it properly and it will wait patiently.
· Choose a cool, dry, well ventilated space
· Avoid plastic wrapping
· Use breathable fabric or acid free tissue
Stored correctly, taxidermy can sit quietly for years without any fuss.
Is Taxidermy High Maintenance?
Short answer. Not at all.
Once your taxidermy is in a good spot, it mostly minds its own business. Occasional dusting and a sensible environment are usually all it needs. Many antique pieces in the UK have survived well over a hundred years with very little intervention.
Final Thoughts
Taxidermy is not fragile, fussy, or frightening to own. With a bit of thought and very simple care, it can be enjoyed for a lifetime and beyond.
Learning how to care for taxidermy is part of appreciating the craft behind it. Treated well, your piece becomes more than decoration. It becomes a talking point, a bit of wonder, and a permanent fixture in your home.
If you are ready to welcome one home, have a look through our current taxidermy collection and see which piece catches your eye.
***Please note that the advice in this article is given as a guide only. For more detailed, specific advice, please contact your supplier or taxidermist.***
