The Butterfly Taxidermy Workshop

Following on from March’s moles, October played host to another taxidermy workshop, this time themed on the butterfly. Using specimens ethically collected from an Asian conservation project, guests were taught how to pin, shape, preserve and mount five  colourful butterflies each, starting with the largest specimens first (as they are easier to work with). As the butterflies were pinned and drying, guests enjoyed a short talk on the use of insects in art, exploring the work of artists such as Damien Hirst and Christopher Marley, who have both used a wide variety of butterflies in their internationally acclaimed pieces.