Nature's Home: Meet the Taxidermist
Intrigued by Calke's taxidermy collection? Join Sarah Burhouse from Birdhouse Taxidermy in the Entrance Hall to learn more about this important subject.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Calke is marking 100 years since the death of Sir Vauncey Harpur Crewe, 10th Baronet, with Nature’s Home.
Known for his keen interest in wildlife, Nature's Home will celebrate and explore nature, indoors and out, starting with Calke's natural history collection – the largest of its kind owned by the National Trust, which includes many taxidermy cases full of birds, mammals and other creatures.
Taxidermy Restorer, Sarah Burhouse, will be demonstrating the process of wiring a female teal specimen into position, adding false eyes, sewing up, posing and feathering in Calke's Entrance Hall.
Sarah will be working on a naturally deceased, real bird. The bird skin will have already been processed and Sarah will be fitting it to a form she has pre-carved in her workshop.
Please note that the rest of the House will not be open for visitors to explore, as the Collections Team are currently carrying out the annual clean.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Meeting point
Front of the house.
- What to bring and wear
Wrap up warm, as the house can get chilly over winter!
- Accessibility
The Entrance Hall is on the ground floor of the House, which is accessible to wheelchairs. A buggy service is available from the Ticket Office between 10am and 2.30pm.
Upcoming events
Making a house a home: the lives of women in service at Calke Abbey
Follow in the footsteps of the remarkable women who cared for this great house.
Hidden Calke guided walk
Enjoy a wintry walk through the parkland, discovering the history of the estate and the archaeology beneath your feet.