In this Episode Robin visits Doug Cockroft –founder of Splitting Image Taxidermy– in his incredible factory and studio space.
The conversation delves into the journey of taxidermy, It's origins, the unknown passion involved, and the future of the industry. It explores the impact of importation rules and its evolving solutions to new challenges. Amongst Doug's own fascinating stories we also cover the evolution of 3D printing technology, the art of taxidermy and anatomy, tanning techniques, ethics and principles in taxidermy, and the discussion of hunting, conservation, and responsibility. We also couldn't tip our hat to the future of taxidermy without giving a comical nod to taxidermy 100 years ago.
A huge thank you to Doug for the thought provoking chat, and to the Splitting Image team for their help setting up the space.
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This episode dives into the fascinating world of taxidermy, guided by Doug Cocroft, founder of Splitting Image Taxidermy. We explore the history, technological advancements, ethical considerations, and the profound connection between hunting and conservation.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and the importance of respecting wildlife in taxidermy
00:44 - Doug Cockroft’s entrance into taxidermy
01:30 - The origin of taxidermy practices
02:16 - The transformative role of hunting and conservation in Africa
04:10 - The relationship between taxidermy and wildlife storytelling
05:16 - Personal reflections on connecting with nature
06:40 - The importance of patience, observation, and respect
08:07 - Hunting versus non-hunting – A spectrum of attitudes
09:13 - Memorable experiences and mishaps
10:52 - The story of a vehicle mishap
14:50 - The role of hunting
18:49 - Transition from guiding to taxidermy
20:00 - How 9/11 reshaped Doug’s career path into taxidermy
21:40 - Early training and challenges in taxidermy
25:12 - Doug's true passion for the craft and conservation’s role
28:49 - The history and cultural roots of taxidermy in Africa and beyond
38:31 - 3D printing, scanners, and chemical advancements
42:17 - Evolution of techniques and technologies
48:44 - Handling ethical considerations
53:01 - Taxidermy and creative, respectful expressions
56:46 - The influence of legislation and poaching
60:39 - The connection between hunting, storytelling, and societal perception
64:18 - The importance of authentic outdoor experiences a
65:33 - Resources and inspirations for those interested in taxidermy
