No offence to tufting and pottery, but taxidermy takes the cake for being one of the most unique workshops out there. The practice of preserving dead animals is something few of us would consider as an art form, yet the beautiful displays of skeletons that you can take home say otherwise.
The workshop is held by Black Crow Taxidermy and Art (BCTA), Singapore’s only taxidermy company that offers educational talks and workshops. BCTA works with organisations like the Singapore Tourism Board, the National Heritage Board and various NGOs to make their workshops educational and interesting.
The Black Crow studio-museum is a quaint place tucked on the 4th level of Midview City, 18 Sin Min Lane. They’re open on Saturdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 6pm, but their taxidermy workshop only runs in the mornings from 11am to 12.30pm and in the afternoons from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
They also offer other types of workshops, like beetle pinning and frog dissection.
Yes. Each workshop can be attended by up to 6 people and is priced at $125/person.
Image credit: @blackcrow_taxidermy via Instagram
Yes, they’re legit skeletons and ethically sourced, too. If you’re feeling squeamish about where these skeletons come from, don’t worry, as they are sourced from local butterfly farms or wildlife centres. They also accept specimen donations from the public.
Plus, the workshop is not just about making something pretty. It also aims to educate us about honouring and respecting the wildlife we live with.
No. Art supplies like glue, pins and tape are provided, together with decorative items like preserved flowers, leaves and twigs which you can use to beautify your display.
You’ll need only bring yourself and a willingness to learn and appreciate this macabre but beautiful art form.
Image credit: Seek Sophie
During this guided workshop, you’ll learn the delicate art of skeleton articulation, which is the presentation of the animal’s skeleton in their natural, anatomical position. You’ll be building a pigeon skeleton from scratch, ensuring that every bone is placed in the correct orientation.
Whilst assembling the skeleton, you’ll learn about a bird’s anatomy too, so you can flex to your friends about your knowledge of niche bird facts.
Choose whether you’d like a dome or frame display for your skeleton; we think the dome one looks more unique, but to each their own.
Image credit: @blackcrow_taxidermy via Instagram
At the end of the workshop, you’ll get to take your creation home too, so we’d recommend thinking of a spot to place it. The workshop has preserved flowers, twigs and leaves that you can use to decorate the display and make it completely your own.
Whether you’d like to have a rainbow-themed floral arrangement or a simple monochromatic display, your beautiful hard work will earn a prime spot in your home.
A finished preservation of a rodent.
Image credit: Ninart via Seek Sophie
Whilst the workshop comes with a pigeon skeleton, you can top up an additional $3 for a frog skeleton instead, or a whole rodent skeleton for $40. We won’t lie, the complex rat skeleton does look pretty badass, but whether it’s worth the top-up is up to you.
Image credit: Seek Sophie
The workshop is led by passionate biologists Vivian and Jivan – the brains behind Singapore’s first taxidermy workshop. Both science and art come together for a unique experience that aims to educate the public about the importance of respecting wildlife and conservation.
Their cosy museum has numerous animals on display – mammals, reptiles, even bugs – all of which are carefully preserved and showcased up close. Look through their collection and feel free to inspect every detail. They won’t suddenly jump up at you, they’re 100% deceased.
Image credit: @blackcrow_taxidermy via Instagram
They don’t just have skeletons too, they have pinned butterflies, deer skulls, a fully embalmed cat, and even framed snake bones. If you spot something that sparks your curiosity, feel free to ask questions; both Vivian and Jivan are more than happy to share their knowledge.
Despite being an urban jungle, Singapore’s biodiversity is incredibly rich. In fact, everything found in their collection exists in Singapore, since they were all locally sourced.
Image adapted from: @blackcrow_taxidermy via Instagram
It may seem strange, learning about these specimens after their deaths. But it’s definitely a unique way to start conversations about them. This experience is different from interacting with a live specimen, which would probably attack you, allowing you to examine their bodies more thoroughly.
Being able to note down every detail and observe these creatures up close means that we’re more likely to appreciate the beauty and importance of these animals.
The price per person is pretty steep, but we think it’s worth it for the unique experience and the fact that you get to take such an interesting piece home.
More things to do in Singapore:
Cover image adapted from: @blackcrow_taxidermy via Instagram & Seek Sophie
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