What do you think?
Rate this book
Taxidermy Art: A Rogue's Guide to The Work, The Culture, and How to Do It Yourself
In this collection of taxidermy art, you ll find a winged monkey with a fez and a martini glass, a jewel-encrusted piglet, a bionic fawn, and a polar bear balancing on a floating refrigerator. Author Robert Marbury makes for a friendly (and often funny) guide, addressing the three big questions people have about taxidermy art: "What is it all about? Can I see some examples? "and "How can I make my own? "He takes readers through a brief history of taxidermy (and what sets artistic taxidermy apart) and presents stunning pieces from the most influential artists in the field. Rounding out the book are illustrated how-to lessons to get readers started on their own work, with sources for taxidermy materials and resources for the budding taxidermist."
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2014
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 28, 2018
This is a beautiful book, more art than reference, that seeks to explain the phenomenon of "rogue taxidermy" to the general public. The concept of rogue taxidermy is the charming idea of hobbyists and enthusiasts taking taxidermy from a simple representation of an animal in life, or a mounted trophy, and turning it into art installations and other objects of whimsy. This book has everything from partially mechanized taxidermy mounts to reclaimed "vegan taxidermy" in the form of discarded children's stuffed animals being refashioned into entirely new 'feral' creations.
The book has a brief history of taxidermy, followed by a spotlight on a variety of modern practicioners of the art. Each artist has a nice write up on themselves, their style, and what their art means. Following the biography are samples of their work, nearly all of which is positively stunning. Following this section are small write-ups on mounting small mammals (squirrels), birds, and brain tanning hides. There is also a read more section as well as listed museums to find good selections, and websites for enthusiasts. I was delighted to see my beloved Atlas Obscura mentioned.
This is a nice reference book of taxidermy art, and full of great specimens to look at for inspiration. It's cool to see how this art has evolved, and to see just how many women are now dominating the field. I would recommend this, alongside Stuffed Animals as the two best resources for a beginner entering the field of Rogue Taxidermy and/or Vulture Culture.
The book has a brief history of taxidermy, followed by a spotlight on a variety of modern practicioners of the art. Each artist has a nice write up on themselves, their style, and what their art means. Following the biography are samples of their work, nearly all of which is positively stunning. Following this section are small write-ups on mounting small mammals (squirrels), birds, and brain tanning hides. There is also a read more section as well as listed museums to find good selections, and websites for enthusiasts. I was delighted to see my beloved Atlas Obscura mentioned.
This is a nice reference book of taxidermy art, and full of great specimens to look at for inspiration. It's cool to see how this art has evolved, and to see just how many women are now dominating the field. I would recommend this, alongside Stuffed Animals as the two best resources for a beginner entering the field of Rogue Taxidermy and/or Vulture Culture.
October 23, 2022
This book was a great blend of information and humor, and included pictures that really demonstrate the different ways in which taxidermy art can be created and tell a story. The author begins with a brief history of taxidermy, as well as a list of the primary laws that affect taxidermy. He also delves into some of the people who helped form the foundation of the field, which helps the reader understand how certain trends in taxidermy were developed.
I really enjoyed the section about the artists, and the range of taxidermy art it covered. I never imagined there were so many ways to utilize taxidermy as an art form, but this book definitely showcased the variety involved in the field. Included in this section is not only pictures of the art, but also details about what the artists' intentions are with their work and the ways in which they utilize (or don't utilize) animal remains.
The author also includes helpful guides at the end of the book related to further reading on the field, laws related to taxidermy, and where to get supplies.
Overall, a well-done book with lots of information, while remaining easy to read and lighthearted.
I really enjoyed the section about the artists, and the range of taxidermy art it covered. I never imagined there were so many ways to utilize taxidermy as an art form, but this book definitely showcased the variety involved in the field. Included in this section is not only pictures of the art, but also details about what the artists' intentions are with their work and the ways in which they utilize (or don't utilize) animal remains.
The author also includes helpful guides at the end of the book related to further reading on the field, laws related to taxidermy, and where to get supplies.
Overall, a well-done book with lots of information, while remaining easy to read and lighthearted.
August 13, 2019
Fantastic! Even if I never practice taxidermy or own a piece in my lifetime, I still find this book extremely interesting and informative (I do want a little piglet with white bird wings wearing a golden lace crown seated on a covered crystal cake stand...is that wrong???) The different styles and ideas of the showcased artists were inspiring -- so the succinct workshops at the end of the book were well-placed. The design's color palette and photography are excellent throughout! I would be very proud to have this work become a part of my personal library.
July 17, 2019
Interesting as a kind of catalog or introduction to a number of international artists working in a medium often called taxidermy. This includes the use of materials such as porcelain or a stuffed toy with no actual animal or actual animal parts. Is that taxidermy? This volume seeks to blur the line between forms of artistic practice. The artist profiles are awkwardly sandwiched between some history and some practical advice on how to mount a squirrel and deflesh a skull.
April 3, 2020
Did I learn alot? YES
Do I ever want to try my hand at taxidermy? NO
While I admire the artistry of the women and men that do taxidermy, I shall probably not try it unless it's a class that everything is provided.
I throughly enjoyed seeing their take on the art. From the natural to the surreal, I never realized the artistic license that could be taken with this craft. I would love to see exhibitions by the artists featured.
Do I ever want to try my hand at taxidermy? NO
While I admire the artistry of the women and men that do taxidermy, I shall probably not try it unless it's a class that everything is provided.
I throughly enjoyed seeing their take on the art. From the natural to the surreal, I never realized the artistic license that could be taken with this craft. I would love to see exhibitions by the artists featured.
September 18, 2018
I absolutely adored so many of the artworks featured in this book. I also appreciated the ethical standpoint, DIY instructions and brief introductions of the artists greatly.
July 5, 2022
not even the weirdest book about taxidermy I've ever read
May 20, 2023
Incredibly disturbing, I'm still not sure I liked it ha!
September 6, 2019
Creepy book but entertaining nonetheless. People are quite creative with repurposing animals bodies. As a vegetarian, it irks me, but I appreciate the artistic application. The little animals in outfits are cute for the first moment, after which you remember they are dead and treated with strange chemicals..
April 27, 2015
Discover the amazing, bizarre and mad world of Taxidermy Art, as author Robert Marbury takes readers beyond the boundaries of traditional taxidermy. From the Netherlands, to Australia, Marbury has explored the world over, cultivating and showcasing the extraordinary works and talents of the artists pioneering the medium of rogue taxidermy.
Readers are taken on a journey, starting with the pivotal figures that founded taxidermy, to the new generation of artists highlighted in the field today. In addition, all the attributes surrounding this art form are tenderly explored, with detailed how-to guides and the legal resources needed to get started.
From traditional to bizarre there are no words to describe the stunning showcases of artistic talent. Each artist’s work is eloquently portrayed with stunning color photographs that highlight their eccentric styles, yet beautiful enough to be set out and shared, while instrumental enough for the budding artist. Whether blending reality with fantasy, embellishing, or crossing species, the conceptual art is unique, altogether lending deeper insight into their craft.
Marveling at the talent and creative genius behind the art, I recommend it to any fan of rogue taxidermy, as well as the oddities and curiosities collector at heart.
you can find more of my reviews and giveaways in my syndicated newspaper column: For the Love of Books-Dixon's Independent Voice and with www.mpg8.com; as well as: San Diego Book Review & San Francisco Book Review
Readers are taken on a journey, starting with the pivotal figures that founded taxidermy, to the new generation of artists highlighted in the field today. In addition, all the attributes surrounding this art form are tenderly explored, with detailed how-to guides and the legal resources needed to get started.
From traditional to bizarre there are no words to describe the stunning showcases of artistic talent. Each artist’s work is eloquently portrayed with stunning color photographs that highlight their eccentric styles, yet beautiful enough to be set out and shared, while instrumental enough for the budding artist. Whether blending reality with fantasy, embellishing, or crossing species, the conceptual art is unique, altogether lending deeper insight into their craft.
Marveling at the talent and creative genius behind the art, I recommend it to any fan of rogue taxidermy, as well as the oddities and curiosities collector at heart.
you can find more of my reviews and giveaways in my syndicated newspaper column: For the Love of Books-Dixon's Independent Voice and with www.mpg8.com; as well as: San Diego Book Review & San Francisco Book Review
December 10, 2014
See, every year I get this calendar of ferrets (Jeanne Carley's Ferret Calendar is typically my favorite, but I've had a few others in the past). Anyway, the reason I get this is because I think it's totally hilarious that people dress up animals and get them to pose doing silly things, often with silly backdrops. I love the idea of photoshopping a ferret. That's just fucking hilarious.
Anyway, I feel like that explains why I am so in love with this book.
These amazing artists have done some truly phenomenal things with the carcasses of dead animals. They've turned dead animals into high art. And provided what appears to be a really pretty decent introduction to how to make things yourself.
To me, though, it's all about the pictures.
I would buy this book.
Anyway, I feel like that explains why I am so in love with this book.
These amazing artists have done some truly phenomenal things with the carcasses of dead animals. They've turned dead animals into high art. And provided what appears to be a really pretty decent introduction to how to make things yourself.
To me, though, it's all about the pictures.
I would buy this book.
January 28, 2015
A wonderful combination of beauty and the macabre, rogue taxidermy is intriguing to say the least. Marbury provides a brief history of taxidermy complete with biographies of influential figures who had an impact on the art/trade in the past, as well as, brief portfolios for some of today's prominent artists. This book explores rogue taxidermy as an art form, eloquently explaining the passion that leads to these creations and the messages that can be gleaned from the final products.
The how-to guides at the end for squirrel and bird mounts, wet mounting, and brain tanning are precise and thorough (at least to my untrained self) and lend a deeper insight into taxidermy without getting grotesque or gory.
The how-to guides at the end for squirrel and bird mounts, wet mounting, and brain tanning are precise and thorough (at least to my untrained self) and lend a deeper insight into taxidermy without getting grotesque or gory.
December 31, 2015
i love this book. i want so many things. the beginning has the history and the middle is full of modern rogues with some fabulous works (some i'm a bit 'meh' on but others i wish i had. so very much. but that's art) and the end even offers a few tutorials, as well as other resources and links. none in texas though, or anywhere remotely local to me now. and i would love so very much to get into this field more, but it's not the sort of art one can learn by doing in a rented one bedroom apartment. it was such an amazing gift to receive in my swap box.
March 21, 2016
While the display of rogue taxidermists artwork is impressive, the true value of this book is in the back portion. It gives step by step instructions on how to care for a beetle colony to strip flesh from bones, a lesson is squirrel taxidermy, a lesson in bird taxidermy, how to whiten bones/skulls, and how to brain tan a pelt. Very informative and insightful.
December 30, 2014
What you should really do is read this book while you are taking piles of post-surgical drugs. The words go 3D, then swirl around until you can't make sense of them anymore. And the animal sculptures pop out of the page and go for your face.
Amazeballs.
It was just as good on the re-read.
Amazeballs.
It was just as good on the re-read.
January 5, 2015
Lots of color pictures of taxidermy art, some disturbing, along with some detailed how-tos and lists of shops, museums and suppliers.
January 11, 2015
Quick read but fascinating art + artist statements. Bonus DIY taxidermy lessons at the end. Beautiful, eerie sculpture.
March 25, 2015
This made me physically ill. Not sure why I didn't think that out ahead of time. Although the authors "vegan taxidermy" at the end was adorable.
April 24, 2015
Weird, but oddly riveting. I have to admit I skipped the how-to parts in the back of the book. But if you're thinking about taking up the craft...
December 25, 2015
Some rather impressive works in here. Need some of this in my house.
Read
June 4, 2017Forever on my coffee table, forever the best conversation starter in my house.
June 7, 2016
Creepy, interesting, informative and a reminder that this is not the hobby for me.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews