taxidermy. (Stephen I. Horn, who succeeded co-founder John Jonas there, hired Sinclair Clark to run the Jonas Bros. tannery). And at the American Museum of Natural History, his tanning methods became the standard for all diorama animal exhibits, as noted in the project blog of the museum's Natural Science Conservation lab: When considering the production and acquisition of historical taxidermy at the Museum, particularly for use in dioramas, the period of interest spans from approximately 1925 to 1965. Though we do not have a complete understanding of all the tanning methods in use at, and for, the Museum during this 40-year time frame, we were able to partner with a local tanner trained by Sinclair Clark, a renowned tanner who was on staff at the Museum around 1924–1927. Clark later set up tanneries in other locations, but maintained his relationship with the Museum tannery over a long period of time. In general terms, Clark’s method involves the following: The skin is salted to remove moisture and stabilize it prior to tanning Tanning begins with rehydration in a saltwater bath until the skin is soft and pliable It is next soaked in an acid pickle until swollen, and then shaved down on a fleshing machine or by hand The skin is returned to the pickle, and, if needed, shaved again The skin is then removed from the pickle and the acid is neutralized Warmed oil is applied either by hand or with a “kicking” machine The skin is left to sit overnight or for one day before being tumbled in hardwood sawdust until dry and soft. Awards Throughout his career, Sinclair Clark mentored other taxidermists and helped them set up their studios. Following his death, the National Taxidermists Association created an annual award in his name--The Sinclair Clark Memorial Award--for excellence in taxidermy. On July 24, 2021, during the 2021 National Taxidermists Association’s awards banquet, Sinclair Clark was officially inducted into the Taxidermy Hall of Fame (THOF) as an “historical nominee,” defined by the THOF as those recognized for their contributions to taxidermy 50 years before the current year election date. He is the first black man to be so honored. References Taxidermists Tanners 20th-century Barbadian people 1902 births 1999 deaths Barbadian emigrants to the United States People associated with the American Museum of Natural History