Hundreds of animal skeletons are on display in Doncaster including lions, leopards and rhinos

One of the largest private collections of skeletons in the UK is on display in a Doncaster museum, consisting of over 250 skeletons and 100 skulls hidden away at the back of a tattoo shop.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

“I think that the anatomy and the way that the bones fit together is quite amazing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I see the skeletons as pieces of art more than dead animals - I think they are a work of art created by nature,” said Alan, 54, of Goole.

Allan Turner with rodent skull.Allan Turner with rodent skull.
Allan Turner with rodent skull.

Some of the animal skeletons in his display include a giant anteater, an Amur leopard, a zebra, snakes, monkeys, birds, and lions.

Alan started his collection in 2011 with just one skeleton of a rabbit, but has since expanded his hobby into collection worthy of a full museum exhibition.

“I opened the museum because my collection built up to a reasonable size and I feel it’s worth sharing,” he continued.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“This is my office I get to enjoy it every day and it would be a shame for it just to be sat and not seen by other people.

Antelope skeleton.Antelope skeleton.
Antelope skeleton.

“Hopefully it inspires people about animals, wildlife and conservation.

The two large rooms which display the collection of bones are hidden behind Big Al’s Tattoo Studio which Allan also owns.

“It was the imagery of a skull is what first interested me back when I started tattooing in 2008.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“That’s what led me to start the hobby of putting skeletons together.”

Seal skeletons in museum.Seal skeletons in museum.
Seal skeletons in museum.

Alan has not always been in this industry in fact prior to opening his tattooing business he was a professional clown for 20 years.

The 250 piece collection is one of the biggest private displays in the UK - it is made up of rodents, reptiles, mammals, fish and even some dinosaur fossils.

“There is a growing community of people who are interested in skeletons - I have had people come from America and Australia with the sole purpose of seeing my collection,” Alan said.

The skeletons are ethically sourced from zoos across Europe.

The museum is free to enter and is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 6pm.

Related topics: