Dear All,
We have recently been offered a collection of Lepidoptera to purchase.
A large part of the collection is from the South of England, particularly in and around Ashford, Kent. It includes a lot of macro moths collected and bred from wild larvae between the 1950s and 1980s. The collectors initials are MFPS. The collection includes specimens collected by E. H. Solly and and L. H. Newman. L.H. Newman appears to have written a few 'popular' lepidoptera texts. Liverpool Museums have Lepidotera collected by L.H and L. W Newman 'Purchased from these proprietors of the butterfly farm to fill gaps'. However, I know nothing about E. H. Solly or M.F.P.S. Do any of you recognise these names or know someone who might?
The next part of the question is that due to our current collections policy it is unlikely that we will be permitted to aquire this material. There are about 40 boxes which are in a good state of repair, a few minor signs of pest damaged and dropped abdomens but extensive data. The potential donor has indicated he would like some financial reward for parting with the collection but figures have not been discussed. Are any of you interested? The collection is currently held on the outskirts of Glasgow.
I attach pictures of an example box which you can clearly see MFPSs labels in.
Yours sincerely
Jeanne
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