EACH WEEK WE FEATURE AN ITEM FROM THE MUSEUMS WORCESTERSHIRE COLLECTION THAT IS TOO VALUABLE OR FRAGILE TO BE ON PERMANENT DISPLAY

One of the most beautiful assets of the Natural History collection at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum is the rare assemblage of Lepidopterans – butterflies and moths.

These fragile wonders are housed in an environmentally controlled area in the Museum basement. Arranged neatly in rows within purpose built drawers, the butterflies are housed within an original mahogany collections cabinet.

During the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, butterfly collection was a popular hobby, particularly amongst the wealthy.

Specimens were frequently traded between enthusiastic Lepidopterists, and Natural History suppliers made good money providing butterflies and other insects to obsessed collectors.

Catalogues provided examples of specimens available for purchase, with prices included.

Worcester’s own collection was enhanced in the 1970s when the museum became the custodian of cabinets from the Malvern Field Club. Most of the specimens within the collection also include paper labels which provide a provenance and date, as well as other priceless information.

The collection is consequently invaluable to modern research groups such as the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and local clubs.

The drawer pictured represents the entirety of British species of butterfly at the time of collection – many of the species here are now extinct or extremely rare.

The largest butterfly seen here is a Monarch, or Milkweed, a genuine rarity from North America.

This specimen was discovered in Malvern in 1968. The Black-Veined White is seen here at the top of the third column from the left.

It became extinct in the British Isles around 1925, having previously been common throughout the South, with a particular stronghold in Gloucestershire.

Due to its fragile nature and the risk of light damage, the butterfly collection is not usually on public view.

Why not come along to a talk by Garston Phillips, guardian of the collection for almost 50 years, and take this rare opportunity to see these fascinating creatures for yourself.

The talk is on September 11, from 1pm-1.30pm at the Art Gallery & Museum, places are limited so please make sure you book on 01905 25371.

For more information on this and other curator’s talks or the collections, visit the website museumsworcestershire.org.uk