The Pinned Insects Conservation course that i just advertised requires a bit of explanation as it’s a new course.
The course is (as always) largely practical and requires steady hands and a keen eye (close-up visor). As you know pinned insects are extremely brittle and prone to damage - mainly through pest insect depredations.
You will learn how to handle, attach and repair butterfly / moth wings, detached abdomens and other appendages including the extremely delicate antennae!
Pest larval damage includes munching gaps in insect wings - you will learn how to repair / gap-fill this type of damage, even a bit of restoration where display specimens require some colouring to make them presentable.
How to deal with mould growth / carefully neutralise and remove it.
Dealing with verdigris crystalline growth and removing a copper-cored pin.
Finally, how to replace a lepidopteran body by restoration using a bit of dried husk from a magnolia pod.
All of these techniques are low-tech, therefore affordable and I am alway looking for new ideas to improve them.
With all good wishes, Simon.
Simon Moore MIScT, RSci, FLS, ACR
Conservator of Natural Sciences and Cutlery Historian,
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