This butterfly, a Queen of Spain Fritallary, comes from the collection of Mr Arthur James Ponchaud. But, this is no ordinary example of the butterfly as, if the label beneath it is to be believed, it was collected during one of the most devastating wars the world has ever seen.
It was collected during August 1917 at Viller Faucon in the region of Picardy on the Somme. Viller Faucon was under German occupation until 1917. The label merely has the locality, the date and Arthurs full name.
Did Arthur collect the butterfly when the allies captured Viller Faucon? What is interesting is that Arthur continued to pursue his hobby despite being part of the 'war to end all wars'.
The butterfly is set in a classic style, pinned through the side so that you can admire the beautiful mother-of-pearl markings on its wings. Arthurs father, James, was a taxidermist with a shop in Christchurch, Hampshire from 1907 until 1915 before moving to Ringwood circa 1920. Arthur took over the business in 1923.
