Skip to main content

For a craft that relies on the dead, taxidermy is thriving surprisingly well, even in this age of instant, multidimensional imaging.

Open this photo in gallery:

LaVerne Holmes sits among his work at his shop in Mill Bay, B.C. Mr. Holmes has been a taxidermist for over 25 years.Chad Hipolito/The Globe and Mail

1 of 7
Open this photo in gallery:

Terry Woodworth, who spent 25 years in the infantry division of the Canadian army, now runs Lagoon Taxidermy in Colwood on Vancouver Island, and his skill at restoring a life-like appearance to long dead wildlife is in high demand.Chad Hipolito/The Globe and Mail

2 of 7
Open this photo in gallery:

Scott Barley uses an air brush to add detail around a bear’s nose.Chad Hipolito/The Globe and Mail

3 of 7
Open this photo in gallery:

Glass eyes are collected to be used for birds, mammals and some reptiles.Chad Hipolito/The Globe and Mail

4 of 7
Open this photo in gallery:

In the end, the California quail ends up in the lynx's mouth as part of the overall piece.Chad Hipolito/The Globe and Mail

5 of 7
Open this photo in gallery:

A Russian brown bear destined for a museum in Chemainus, B.C., looks over Terry as he stretches out a hyena hide.Chad Hipolito/The Globe and Mail

6 of 7
Open this photo in gallery:

LaVerne Holmes, left, and Terry Woodworth have nearly 50 years of taxidermy experience between them.Chad Hipolito/The Globe and Mail

7 of 7

Interact with The Globe