An artist from Darwen has collected around 100 bees for her latest taxidermy project to raise awareness about the threat of extinction bees face.

Tia Britcliffe, 22, made the transition from insect embroidery to taxidermy during lockdown when she was 19.

Taxidermy is the art of preserving an animal’s body by either mounting or stuffing the animal to make it appear lifelike for the purpose of decoration or research reasons.

Lancashire Telegraph: Tia has started working on her 'save the bees' inspired artwork Tia has started working on her 'save the bees' inspired artwork (Image: Tia Britcliffe)

The taxidermist said: “I’ve always liked weird things and I started doing insect embroidery at sixth form then during the pandemic; I thought taxidermy was the next good step.

“It’s all been self-taught. I’ve learned the art of it by watching loads of YouTube videos and reading blogs about it.

“Since I started, I’ve done about 50 pieces, and they all vary in size, but I’ve never actually done any for a reason so I thought about doing a project that raises awareness for something that matters.

“I think bees are really important to look after so I had this idea of doing a piece about one singular flower left with loads of bees racing towards it.”

Tia aims to highlight the threat of extinction 35 bees species in the UK are facing and wants to raise awareness about why the pollinators are vital to a healthy environment.

She added: “This is the first time I’ve really thought about using taxidermy to create art with a meaning so I asked people if they had any bees that have died that they could donate to me.

“I was pretty shocked with how many people responded offering their bees, to be honest. One beekeeper in Darwen gave me about 100 so I’ve got more than enough to last me the whole year.”

Tia started working on the project on Friday (February 24) and says it will take her until next week to finish it.

Lancashire Telegraph: Tia's taxidermy and insect embroidery Tia's taxidermy and insect embroidery (Image: Tia Britcliffe)

Normally, pieces take around two days for Tia to complete. The process involves hydrating the insect since they’re dried out by the time she receives them either from a farm, a breeder, or online shop.

Once they’re rehydrated, the insects are moveable making it easier for Tia to put them into position and pose before making them go stiff again.

Once the posing part of the process is complete the insects are ready for decoration or to be put into jars which takes Tia around 40 minutes.

Lancashire Telegraph: One of Tia's pieces on display in ImaginariumOne of Tia's pieces on display in Imaginarium (Image: Tia Britcliffe)

Tia added: “I would like to move onto doing animals soon. It’s a totally different process and a lot different and much harder to get hold of as well as more expensive to do but hopefully I’ll be able to in the future.

“The idea that I’m bringing these insects back to life and giving them a place to stay and look pretty, like how they looked when they were alive, is what I love. It’s sort of like a memorial for them.”

Tia’s artwork is sold online and in Imaginarium on Borough Road in Darwen which is where the ‘Save the Bees’ inspired piece will most likely be on display.

You can buy Tia's taxidermy art by visiting her Etsy page, ArcanumNatura.