19th Century freed slave and Taxidermist
Brief info
Come and meet John Edmonstone, a man who arriving on Scottish shores, was freed from the life of slavery that he’d had been living in Guyana.
Learn how, when living on the plantation, he was taught Taxidermy skills by Charles Waterton and when arriving in Scotland, used those skills in the employ of the Zoological Department of Edinburgh university.
Find out how he came to be the one to teach Charles Darwin the essential taxidermy skills that were so crucial for the voyage of the Beagle (1831 – 1836), the results of which contributed significantly with the ‘Theory of Evolution’
Activities – Interactive Q&A on Taxidermy and Charles Darwin
Stuffed animal and tool handling
Props/Costume/Equipment – Books with drawing of animals, 3 stuffed animals, Taxidermy tools. Replica clothing including shoes, trousers, waistcoat, jacket, apron and hat.
