BEETHOLOGY
Buzz in the city trail (Chelmsford) Making Trails/Farleigh Hospice
Beethology explores the deep connection between bees and human culture. Inspired by ancient myths and traditions, the sculpture draws on stories such as the Celtic goddess Brigid, the Muses, and the age-old custom of “telling the bees” about life’s milestones. It’s a celebration of how bees have long held a place in our imaginations, rituals, and folklore.
Details
Painting process
Materials; emulsion base (pale gold) / sakura gold acrylic pen / black posca pen
Original design reference
process video
Life beyond the trail!
Beethology lives on! My giant bee sculpture met the mayor for a grand unveiling….
My sculpture has been given a permanent home in Oaklands Park following a successful fundraising campaign by Chelmsford Beekeepers in support of Farleigh Hospice. When the trail ended, the sculptures were made available to purchase and Chelmsford Beekeepers saw an opportunity to secure one for permanent display in Oaklands Park, home of the Museum of Chelmsford. Following speeches from Brian Spencer, Chair of Chelmsford Beekeepers; Councillor Rose Moore, Chelmsford City Council's Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford; and Debbie de Boltz and Caroline Smith from Farleigh Hospice's fundraising team, the Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Lynne Foster, officially unveiled Beethology with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Visitors to Oaklands Park can now see her for themselves, where it is expected to become a popular feature for visitors to the museum and park. Beethology can be found to the right of the Museum of Chelmsford, beside the walled garden.
For more than 50 years, visitors to the Museum of Chelmsford have enjoyed learning about bees through its indoor observation hive, which remains a popular attraction today, making the site a fitting home for Beethology
I created Beethology to explore the rich and enduring relationship between bees and human culture. Drawing inspiration from Celtic mythology, the Muses and the traditional custom of “telling the bees” about important life events, the artwork reflects the many ways bees have featured in our stories, beliefs and shared traditions over generations.
More than a celebration of their role in nature, Beethology highlights how bees have long occupied a special place in our imaginations, rituals and folklore, capturing the deep connections between people, communities and the natural world.