Butterfly Collecting

I started collecting taxidermied butterflies when I first moved to Bath nearly 12 years ago. I found a case of 3 for sale in a charity shop, apparently they had been in the window for weeks as no one seemed to want them ("I think people find them creepy" the lady said as I handed over the fiver they where asking!), at the time when I bought these back to my little rented flat I didn't realise I would end up become slightly obsessed.

These days taxidermy is officially cool again and featured in every home mag out there, this has caused what was once fairly easy to find pretty cheaply to sky rocket in popularity and price (for some reason this always seems to happen just when I have decided I really like a particular thing!). You can still find nice specimens at ok prices, eBay is always worth a look but butterflies really don't post well! I think the best examples I have have come from junk shops and car-boot sale (although they are getting rarer these days).

Which was way I was amazed to find a nice case of 3 butterflies on Sunday and for only £4. The frame is slight naff and I intend to sand the gold paint off!

I realize taxidermy isn't everyones thing, many people do find it creepy and think I'm a bit weird for having so much of it. I really can't put my finger on what it is I like so much, I think maybe being able to see these amazing creatures so close up has quite a bit to do with it, what nature comes up with totally blows me away... 

What had started off as 3 little butterflies in a box has now expanded to most of the rooms in our little cottage!

 I do try to buy old butterflies, I am aware that there are companies you can buy 'fresh' butterflies from but I only buy old specimens, many of which are Victorian as this seems to have been something of a hay day for taxidermy.

At this rate we are probably going to have to buy a bigger house...soon!