Our story begins with Derek Robinson, an ardent hunter and fisherman, who in 1969 began learning and executing taxidermy. From very humble beginnings Derek’s incredible natural talent and artistry allowed him, supported by his wife Hazel, to open Derek Robinson Taxidermists in 1978 in Johannesburg South Africa. With Hazel being the driving force behind the administration, import and export of trophies, customer liaison and care, the powerful combination of their talents resulted in the creation of what is now the oldest and most respected taxidermy studio on the African Continent.

In 1994 Derek and Hazel’s son Dean, already an accomplished professional hunter and  outfitter,  was apprenticed under Derek’s watchful eye and proved to have his father’s natural talent and abilities required to be an expert taxidermist in his own right.  

In 2001 Derek moved the Taxidermy Studio to his game farm in Thabazimbi. Building a 1500 sq meter facility ,with a veterinary approved dipping station which allowed import and export of trophies worldwide, a tannery , store rooms, show room and a curio shop. This move meant an exponential growth in the business which included successful annual exhibitions at SCI from the very first SCI show to becoming one of the top 100 exhibitors. Derek , became the leader in the field of pedestal mounts, particularly wall pedestal mounts, which never fail to draw considerable attention. In 2013 Derek decided it was time to take a step back, sell the farm and semi retire.  He and Dean continued to service the taxidermy requirements on a much smaller scale catering exclusively for loyal clients who insist on having their work done by the Robinson’s. However, demand for their skills became more insistent, resulting in Dean deciding to build a new, state of the art taxidermy studio on his farm also situated in the Waterberg biosphere just outside Thabazimbi. 

The newly revised structure of Robinson Taxidermy will incorporate Derek’s special attention to anatomical accuracy, realism and facial expression together with all the mounts being personally sculpted, manufactured and checked when completed by him. Derek has committed to re-sculpting an exciting new range of moulds, something he has always wanted to achieve, but never before had the time to do. Hazel will continue an efficient, streamlined administration including import and export and Dean, together with Dylan, will handle production co-ordination and ensuring that all the necessary permits and supporting documentation will accompany each shipment leaving the studio.

The Robinson’s goal has always been to provide incredible customer satisfaction combined with trophies which convey their respect held for wildlife. With three generations now proudly working together,  Robinson Taxidermy is confident that the new format will deliver even higher levels of excellence in Taxidermy.