How to Care for Historic Taxidermy | Antique Repair Shop

Historic taxidermy can contain fragile skin, feathers, fur, glass, wire, wood and old pest-control residues.

Safe routine care

Avoid touching and do not eat or drink nearby. Use gloves where advised, support the base and keep specimens enclosed from dust and pests.

What not to do

Never vacuum directly, spray insecticide or wet-clean. Suspected arsenic or other historic pesticides require professional risk assessment.

Storage and specialist help

Use integrated pest monitoring, stable conditions and a conservator experienced with natural-history collections.

Conservation references

[Canadian Conservation Institute: Caring for objects and collections](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/care-objects.html)
[Canadian Conservation Institute: Agents of deterioration](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/agents-deterioration.html)

Begin with the least intervention. For valuable, unstable or regulated objects, use a qualified conservator and check current law before treatment, sale or transport.

Watch careful restoration

Visit the [Antique Repair Shop YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop) for practical workshop demonstrations and object examinations.