Butterfly Collector's Legacy Takes Flight at London Museum

A Butterfly Collector's Legacy

John McArthur, a passionate collector of butterflies from around the world, faced a difficult decision as his health declined. He knew he needed to find a new home for his extensive collection of over 20,000 specimens, a lifetime's work meticulously pinned and displayed in his home.

McArthur's journey with butterflies began at the young age of 10, when he was captivated by a swallowtail flitting among the flowers in his mother's garden. This sparked a lifelong fascination that took him across continents, from the Amazon to the Himalayas, in pursuit of these winged wonders.

Over the years, McArthur meticulously collected and preserved butterflies, building an impressive collection that reflected the kaleidoscope of colors and life found in these delicate creatures. However, as he battled multiple sclerosis, he realized the need to ensure his collection's future.

After careful consideration, McArthur chose to donate his collection to the Natural History Museum in London. He knew that his beloved butterflies would be well cared for and accessible to researchers and enthusiasts alike. The museum's vast collection, which includes specimens studied by Charles Darwin, provided the perfect setting for McArthur's treasures.

While parting with his collection was bittersweet, McArthur found solace in knowing that his butterflies would continue to inspire and educate for generations to come. He reflected on the mischief and adventures his passion had brought him, from cutting his mother's gown to make a butterfly net as a child to facing questioning by Chilean police while collecting a rare specimen.

Though his collecting days are behind him, McArthur's legacy lives on in the butterflies he so carefully preserved. His story reminds us of the power of passion and the importance of ensuring the future of the natural world we cherish.