Art groups can take advantage of a 'Sketchbook Introduction' to the Museum. An education officer will meet your group, give a brief introduction to the collections and building, show examples of artwork using Museum sketchbooks, and give advice about the best techniques to use. Sketchbook introductions can be tailored to your theme, and last approximately 15–20 minutes. Suitable for Key Stage 3-5. Booking is essential.
Many artists and writers have been inspired by the architecture and collections at the Museum
'You really did make the trip special, and our students have already produced some beautiful sketches and taken some great photographs of the specimens. You have provided them with excellent imagery and stimuli for their new Growth & Decay project which is 60% of their final GCSE Art grade.'
In 2016, photographer Levon Biss worked with our collection of insects to create beautiful photographic portraits. At high magnification the surface of even the plainest looking beetle or fly is completely transformed, as details of their microsculpture become visible: ridges, pits or engraved meshes all combine at different spatial scales in a breath-taking intricacy.
You can see art from this exhibition in the Museum Café.
