Metamorphosis on Ash Island

Artist Statement

This piece pays tribute to the remarkable lives of Harriet and Helena Scott, who resided on Ash Island near Hexham during the 1840s. Stepping onto the island on a scorching, humid day, I found myself contemplating the daily existence of these sisters, living in a place so secluded and isolated.

Amidst the challenges, the sisters not only embraced their passion for entomology but visually documented the flora and fauna of the island. Their illustration becomes a vivid illustration of how women, even in the face of adversity and discrimination, have left an indelible mark on the realms of both art and science.