Barts Pathology Museum - things to do in london
butterfly setting and preservation
 

- INSECT TAXIDERMY -
Butterfly Setting and Preservation

at Barts Pathology Museum, West Smithfield EC1

Saturday 25th April - workshop starts at 12:00 -
This workshop has now sold out, please see below for further dates in Soho

The beautiful Grade II listed Barts Pathology Museum at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, West Smithfield, houses over 5,000 medical specimens. Purpose built in 1879, it spans three mezzanine levels and includes pathological pots relating to all areas of anatomy and physiology, including the skull of John Bellingham – the only person to assassinate a British Prime Minister.

The museum is not open daily nor to the general public so it is with great pleasure that we extend a curious invitation to an insect taxidermy workshop in butterfly setting and preservation within its walls.

For over 300 years, entomologists and collectors have mounted butterflies and other insects for taxonomic reference or stunning visual displays. Such compilations can be found lurking in old museum archives and are often kept in meticulous condition in display cases and cabinets.

There has been a recent renaissance in the use of insets for artistic display and this class will introduce you to the skills and techniques used in setting butterflies. You will leave with your own set butterflies and there will be an opportunity to discuss further display options for any projects you have in mind.

The workshop will begin with a talk on the biology of insects with further instruction on the hydration, setting, pinning and drying of specimens.

This is a beginners course with no experience required and you will leave with your own set butterflies.

Sold Out - this two and a half hour workshop includes all materials and specimens. All students will leave with their own set butterlies in addition to setting boards for further practice at home.

Barts Pathology Musweum

Sebastian Horsley - Insect Taxidermy   Future dates:
Sunday - 19th April, 11:00 - 2:00 pm
Insect Taxidermy - Butterfly setting and preservation at Horsley House, Soho

Sunday - 17th May, 11:00 - 2:00 pm
Insect Taxidermy - Butterfly setting and preservation at Horsley House, Soho

Sunday - 31st May, 11:00 - 2:00 pm
Insect Taxidermy - Butterfly setting and preservation at Horsley House, Soho

Sunday - 14th June, 11:00 - 2:00 pm
Insect Taxidermy - Butterfly setting and preservation at Horsley House, Soho

Sunday - 28th June, 11:00 - 2:00 pm
Insect Taxidermy - Butterfly setting and preservation at Horsley House, Soho