Photo essay, written and produced by Molly Wilders, Photographer, mollywilders.com.
While museum collections on display are designed to be viewed and understood by the public, collection storerooms primarily exist to support research. Museum professionals spend their lives studying and caring for specimens but few outsiders truly understand what that work looks like.
As a photographer with a background in biology, my projects often focus on documenting the work of researchers in laboratories and the field. In 2022 I reached out to Ashleigh Whiffin, Curator of Entomology at National Museums Scotland, to collaborate on a photography project focusing on her work and the collections she oversees.
The digitisation of museum collections has become increasingly important, with high-quality images supporting research and education, allowing collections to reach audiences without geographical barriers. However, while digitised specimens are invaluable scientific resources, they have a limited ability to inspire awe in the average viewer.
Our first experiences of nature are usually emotional, with feelings coming before facts. Yet it can be difficult to connect with a specimen viewed only as scientific data. My work as a photographer is to make the viewer feel something about these collections and the people who care for them. If an image then inspires someone to ask questions about a specimen, collection or curator, then my job is complete.
Huge thanks to Ashleigh for being so generous with her time. It’s been a delight to make these photographs with her and to see her use them in her own science communication work.
NatSCA 