The Lepidopterist

A design I have used over many years is the butterfly theme. The butterfly has long been an iconic subject in painted design, from ancient symbolism to its prominence in modern art. The butterfly’s delicate wings and transformation through metamorphosis continue to inspire artists and designers across time, representing themes of beauty, renewal, and the transient nature of life.

I particularly love the use of the butterfly motif in The Victorian 'Butterfly Craze Era'. This period saw a rise in the use of butterflies in art, as the species became symbols of beauty, transformation, and even death.

Victorian botanical illustrations and hand-painted designs often featured butterflies in elegant and intricate patterns. The designs were used not only in paintings but also in textiles, wallpapers, and home décor, reflecting the era’s fascination with nature and the exotic.

William Morris the famous designer and founder of the Arts and Crafts movement, incorporated butterfly motifs into his textile designs and wallpapers, further embedding the butterfly as a beloved design element in the arts.

In this piece I have hand painted each butterfly, based on British Species, using Graphite Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan on a Country Grey base. It is rather like a water colour painting!

Finished in a crackle varnish and aged with dark wax, this handsome piece would look lovely in a country home.

This piece is £399 and is available in the online shop.