A collection of restored antique Danaus butterflies (monarchs) on a gilded branch. The piece is housed in a custom made display dome, with an ornate base coated in black enamel lacquer in the style of French antique display domes.

I painstakingly gilded the exposed pieces of the branch between the tiny lichens. This was in the summer of 2022. I had the idea of using gilded branches as a twist on the Victorian style of display domes. However I wasn’t set on the execution of the idea until on a trip to Paris in the summer of 2024 I saw antique display domes in shop displays with beautiful ornate enamel bases. I knew I had to incorporate gilding and antique insects into a piece with a tall dome and decorated base. I crafted this one with carved wood trim and coated in layers of enamel to replicate the displays I had seen in France the previous year. Adding in various species of the beautiful monarch butterflies gave a warm colour palette, punctuated by the greens and yellows of the lichens and in bold contrast to the deep, gloss black of the base.

This is available for UK shipping only on request, but collection in person is preferred. I regularly travel for events throughout the country. Please email me for details of my schedule to arrange collection from an event. I may also be able to deliver should your address be near or on route to an event. If you require shipping, this will be arranged after purchase at an additional courier cost.