Insects

Although many find insects scary, they have been a great inspiration to many artists including Eugene Alain Seguy. Seguy was a French Entomologist who drew beautiful illustrations alongside his day job. Making work from the early 1900’s to the 1930s, Seguy wanted to use his artistic abilities to showcase the superb beauty of nature; and published many portfolios of illustrations and designs. These images were scientifically accurate as Seguy’s role as an entomologist meant that he had studied the insects up close and in detail. Later Seguy turned some of his illustrations into textiles.

http://blog.patternbank.com/eugene-seguy-science-and-textiles/

Ammonites

Many think that fossils are just old rocks, but many in the Museum have some wonderful patterns which could be used to inspire art work. Ammonites in particular have curving spirals that show the beautiful pattern of the shell of a creature that once existed in prehistoric times. Many jewellers are inspired by fossils to create stunning necklaces, earrings etc. You can find lots of example of these on this etsy page.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/market/fossil_jewelry

Rocks and Minerals

Rocks and minerals form the planet earth and many things around us are made with a variety of rocks and minerals, even humans are! Geologist William Smith who was born in 1769 was also very creative and drew geological maps showing the different layers of rock found in the UK. These were very beautiful and colourful images, each colour represented a different type of rock. This image is a close up of one of his maps.

Architecture

The Museum’s architecture was inspired by the natural world. John Ruskin, artist and art critic, heavily influenced the design of the building and all it’s features and he believed that all art forms should remain ‘true to nature’ and this is depicted  in the design of the Museum building inside and out. Around the Museum you can find small details and elaborate patterns inspired by the natural world up high, down low and in every nook and cranny. Look for the metal work carved leaves, as well as the plants and animals carved into the stonework.

Bones

In the Museum there are skeletons from all sorts of animals including a pig, giraffe, reindeer and a few elephants. Skeletons are fascinating and great to draw as they have lots of shapes and forms that could create a detailed and structural pattern. The structure of the inside bones in particular can make some astounding patterns, take a look at this link for more ideas.

https://www.designtrends.com/graphic-web/textures/bone-texture.html