A beautiful study of nature’s details.
A Victorian Entomology Workshop
Step into the role of a Victorian naturalist and discover the extraordinary art of butterfly preservation. In this intimate, hands-on workshop, you will pin and spread a striking Graphium Weiskei specimen and begin an heirloom worthy display.
The Experience
A little museum of your very own.
There was a time when collectors filled their cabinets with rare objects, detailed sketches, handwritten labels and specimens from the natural world.
Inspired in that tradition, we invite you to slow down, study the exquisite structure of a butterfly and learn a preservation craft rarely experienced in a modern workshop.
Our focus is not simply on the finished frame, but on the ritual of making it. Careful hands, thoughtful observation and the joy of creating something worth keeping.
YOUR NATURALIST WORKTABLE
The art of
Pinning
Each guest receives materials and step by step instruction to create a personal curiosity. From first observation to the final archival note, every stage is guided.
01
Examine the Specimen
Learn to identify the thorax, wings, antennae and delicate trailing hindwing tails of Graphium Weiskei.
(Purple Spotted Swallowtail)
02
Pin with purpose
Work with a properly relaxed specimen, positioning the main pin and placing the butterfly onto a spreading board.
03
Arrange the wings
Guided positioning of the wings and pins while protecting the wings tiny surface scales.
04
Record & Preserve
Complete an archival label and take home a drying specimen.
Once fully dry, your butterfly can be transferred into its finished display.
No previous experience required. Your completed specimen goes home with you.
A NOTE ON PRESERVATION
Graphium Weiskei
Meet the
Purple Spotted Swallowtail Butterfly
The vivid colours of the wings come from translucent sections of the wing membrane and short hairlike protuberances rather than traditional pigmented scales.
YOUR INVITATION
Make room for
a little wonder
Join us for three hours of artful assembly, botanical details and curious conversation at
The Aviary by Brilliant Images.
To be Announced
To be Announced
The Aviary by Brilliant Images
TBD
All workshop materials and your finished specimen.
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
ADMINSSION
INCLUDED
Spaces are intended to be limited to keep the workshop personal.
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently
asked
Curiosities.
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Not at all. This workshop is designed for curious beginners. You'll be shown each step and have guidance while handling your butterfly.
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Yes. The workshop is designed around a real, legally and responsibly sourced, already deceased Graphium weiskei specimen, prepared for pinning and spreading. Natural markings and specimen condition can vary.
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Not quite. The wings need to dry in position for several days, sometimes longer. You will take home your mounted butterfly in a protected drying setup, with instructions for transferring it into your frame once fully dry.
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You will leave the workshop with your prepared butterfly specimen and drying setup, a Victorian-inspired display frame, archival-style backing, identification labels, care instructions, and a personalized Certificate of Curation.
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Yes. All necessary materials and specialist tools are supplied for use during the session, with take-home materials provided for drying and finishing.
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That's completely understandable. We demonstrate positioning techniques before you begin, and your instructor will guide you throughout the hands-on preparation. You'll learn how to handle your specimen carefully and confidently.
For the curious. For the collectors.
For those who find beauty in the unusual.
The Aviary