“There is something in the art of preparing animals which seems to fix the mind in a state of pleasing wonder; the hand that gives form to the lifeless skin seems almost to restore the breath of life.”
-Waterton, 1880s taxidermic textbook

We are delighted to invite you to an engaging Rat Taxidermy Class, thoughtfully presented by The Curiosity Cabinet of Charlotte Webb, to be held at our Halloween conglomeration.

This carefully guided workshop offers a splendid opportunity to explore the intricate craft of taxidermy, welcoming participants of all backgrounds, with no prior experience required. Under the expert tutelage of our skilled instructress, you will embark on a step-by-step journey to create a unique taxidermy piece, preserving the humble rat in a manner that honors both its form and the artistry of this time-honored tradition.

In this class, you will be gently led through each stage of the taxidermy process, from the meticulous preparation of the specimen to the artful arrangement of its final pose. Designed with beginners in mind, the workshop requires only a willingness to learn and a curiosity for the craft. All necessary materials, including an ethically sourced rattus, will be provided, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. By the conclusion of the session, you will depart with your own handcrafted creation, a testament to your newfound skills and a keepsake to treasure.

Taxidermy, especially with humble creatures like rats, flourished in the 19th century as a fusion of Victorian science and artistry, resonating with the era’s fascination with natural history. In England, rats were transformed from overlooked pests into intricate curiosities, meticulously preserved for naturalists’ cabinets, collectors’ parlors, and grand expositions. Walter Potter’s whimsical anthropomorphic tableaux—rats posed in miniature taverns or schoolrooms—epitomized the period’s blend of technical precision and playful imagination, blurring the line between nature and art.

These creations align with Steampunk’s retro-futuristic aesthetic, evoking a mechanical yet fantastical Victorian world, while their eerie charm suits Halloween’s macabre allure, where preserved creatures evoke gothic curiosity and the uncanny.