The Art of Pinning: A Comparative Look at Bumblebee Displays 🐝

This project compares my first and second White-Tailed Bumblebee pinnings, highlighting both technical progress and the curatorial possibilities that arise from subtle differences in specimen positioning. The first specimen presented a classic spread with wings and legs stabilised, while the second focused on anatomical detail, capturing the proboscis extended and the head angled downward.

Together, these specimens demonstrate how varying approaches to pinning can emphasise different aspects of insect anatomy, enrich a collection, and showcase the development of my confidence and precision in entomological preparation.

Key Skills Developed:

• 🖼️ Curatorial Practice – Comparative display highlighting anatomical features, narrative curation across multiple specimens, balancing scientific accuracy with visual engagement, and ensuring collection cohesion

• 🐝 Entomological & Preservation Techniques – Maintaining delicate feeding structures, exploring pinning variations, adjusting techniques to reduce damage risk, and planning display angles for long-term stability

• 🏛️ Museum-Relevant Skills – Comparative display practices for study purposes, refined handling protocols for delicate features, exhibition storytelling through comparison, and documenting preparation variations

• 🧩 Problem-Solving – Adapting to fragile structures, creative positioning to maximize anatomical visibility, building skill through repetition, and recognizing specimen-specific needs

• 🎨 Professional Skills – Precision during intricate work, patience through multi-day processes, comparative analysis of outcomes, and translating technical differences into accessible interpretation

This comparative study has shown me how even within a single species, multiple preparations can reveal unique insights into anatomy, preservation, and display. The first bee demonstrated my ability to complete a foundational pinning, while the second built upon this, highlighting more delicate features such as the proboscis. Together, they reflect not only my growing technical confidence but also my curatorial mindset, aligning closely with museum practices of comparative display and layered interpretation.

💀 See more on my Instagram: @BonesByShannon 🪲

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