Last weekend (October 10–12, 2025), our preparators Sophie Kiela and Daphne Plugers traveled to the United Kingdom to serve as jury members at the UK Guild of Taxidermists Championships.
An honor and a recognition of their craftsmanship: both women are not only Dutch taxidermy champions, but they have also won several European awards and are internationally respected for their expertise.
The three-day event took place at the historic Derby Conference Centre. Taxidermists from across the United Kingdom came together for a weekend of demonstrations, masterclasses, competitions, and social activities.
Although the majority of participants were British preparators, the jury was internationally composed, with experts from the Netherlands, Malta, and Denmark.
Sophie and Daphne were part of this international jury team and were responsible for judging the categories of mammals, fish, and reptiles. They evaluated the entries based on anatomical accuracy, technical execution, originality, and artistic expression.
“It is remarkable to see how much passion and craftsmanship exists internationally. Each time, you learn new techniques and gain inspiration to grow further yourself,” said Sophie.
By participating in international competitions and jury work, our taxidermists stay up to date with the latest techniques and trends. This allows us to continue surprising our clients with unique pieces and stories. Taxidermy is not only a craft but also education and art.
If you want to learn more about the work of Sophie, Daphne, and our colleagues, visit our store and museum at Van Welderenstraat 114 in Nijmegen and explore our unique collection of mounted animals, curiosities, and natural history heritage. Admission is free, and you are warmly welcome!
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