Natural-History-Conservation.com

Taxidermy Conservation course, Sheffield, 23rd to 25th of April, 2018

This taxidermy Conservation Course will be held at Boston Castle, Rotheram, (Sheffield) S60 2BD, from the 23rd to 25th of April, 2018. Jenny Matthiasson will be hosting (Jenny.Mathiasson@rotherham.gov.uk). The tutor will be Simon Moore Simon Moore MIScT, FLS, RScI, ACR, Conservator of Natural Sciences.


Schedule
Day 1.
10.00 start. Introductions, local logistics, fire-exits, risks, allergies (please advise Simon Moore prior to course), loos and house Health & Safety rules.

Power-point of course outlines, problems &c – this will outline the course, some of the problems you are likely to encounter.
Introduction to projects – the idea is that each student should tackle as wide as possible the different techniques involved rather than just settle on one particular specimen/problem.
Look at pest damage as this is the most usual (pests are introduced during the PowerPoint presentation).
How to prevent pest damage – basic Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Ethics of Conservation vs. Restoration – how far should one go?
Other deteriorative mechanisms – humidity, temperature fluctuation will also be mentioned, along with fading.
How to manage these problems and remedy the resultant damage.

Practical sessions begin.
Practical – select suitable specimen for treatment/s.
Tea/coffee break at agreeable time.
Lunch (1 hour) is not provided and you are advised to make own arrangements. Afternoon continue with practical work until c. 17.00
Likely projects: cleaning fur and feather. Replacing unsuitable/missing glass eyes. Dressing/rehydrating dried areas of skin and other keratins, including claws, beaks. Treating rusted armatures. Dealing with fat-burnt areas. Dealing with pest-damaged areas. Transplanting fur swatches. Straightening bent feathers, repairing broken/damaged feathers. Replacing damaged armature parts.

Cases (if available) and you are permitted to bring your own (not too large please!). Opening cases that are sealed with tapes and/or framing beads. Repairing case backs that have shrunk and split. Discussion on pest fumigants.

Day 2: 09.15 start
Practical sessions, continue working in more advanced problems once the student has required the basic knowledge and skills.

Day 3: 09.15 start
Practical sessions continue leading to a completion of each project. Brief verbal assessment of how students have coped with the course (time permitting).

Please bring with you if possible: lab coat, digital/phone camera, small hair-dryer, dissection instruments (including an old toothbrush) and artist paintbrushes. These will be provided for use but if you can bring some it will be most helpful.
** Please note that lunches are not provided and you will have to buy these yourself or bring your own. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.


Terms. Once attendance has been confirmed by e-mail, one third of the course fee will be payable in the event of a no-show or late cancellation. Notice of cancellation can only be accepted 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the course. If a pro-forma invoice is required in advance please advise Simon Moore (couteaufin@btinternet.com).

Click here for the link to show you Boston Castle, the location of the course

For accommodation there are three cheap hotels pretty immediately adjacent to Boston Castle: Carlton Park Hotel, Brecon Guest House and and Brentwood Hotel.

For more details about what we can do for you, or for a quote, please contact:
enquiries@natural-history-conservation.com
We are members of the United Kingdom Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works

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