Structural Integrity: What You Do Not See Under the Skin

Most commercial life size mannikins come with all thread rods that extend down the legs of the mannikin and into the body. Our experience has been these metal supports are too weak and too small, and many times, they do not even extend all the way up into the body. This means life size mounts can, and often do, breakdown when they are picked up or shipped.

A Stronger Foundation

Animal Artistry typically removes those stock all thread rods and installs much heavier steel rods that support the animal. In many cases, we also install steel crossmembers within the torso of the animal to connect and create a solid platform. Of course, none of this is seen once the animal has been mounted and is standing in your home, office, etc. for your friends and family to view. And unless you knew the process involved in creating a stronger foundation for the mannikin, you would assume everything was fine.

Taxidermist at Work

A Worthy Cost

We are constantly being called upon to repair taxidermy mounts that were not built in this meticulous fashion. These repairs are frustrating and could have been avoided if the job was done right the first time. Although adding these additional steel supports cost additional money and time, we believe it is critical for the life of the mount. As with many aspects of life, it is not always about what you see, but what’s underneath that counts.