… made explicitly poetic by two visits I had in the last week with taxidermy artists.

First was Emily Mayer, an amazing animal artist in Norwich. She lives + works in an old workhouse infirmary, and makes exquisite sculptures – some taxidermy, some found materials like scrap metal and plastic bits and downed wood (see the recent exhibit at Campden Gallery here). She’s also taxidermist to the (art) stars.

Second was my morning visit to the temporary workspace of Eric Morton, taxidermist for the Great North Museum (née Hancock Museum) here in Newcastle on Tyne. When I spoke to him on the phone he said he was in the process of moving his workspace and there wasn’t much around. Right. He’s genius. I asked him if he has animals festooning his home, and he said “no! that’s like bringing work home. I collect clocks.” I can only imagine.

It is no mean thing to be able to pet animals–  albeit dead ones —  like owls, foxes, and moles.

More photos here chez my flickr zone.