The Royal Entomological Society is delighted to celebrate Honorary Fellow Peter Smithers, whose artwork is currently on display at the Bath Entographica exhibition, a unique showcase of art exploring the creative intersection between insects, science and the complexity of the natural world.
The free exhibition at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution includes work by a collective of artists exploring insects through a wide range of media, from delicate textile flies and ghostly moth etchings to vibrant canvases and sculptural pieces. RES is delighted to support this art-science crossover through the RES Goodman Fund, helping bring insect-inspired creativity to new audiences.
Science Meets Surreal Art
Peter Smithers Hon.FRES, a biologist and retired entomologist, brings a fascinating perspective to the exhibition. During his scientific career, Peter studied the ecology of spiders and insects, and his interest in artistic expression grew from a lifelong appreciation of both nature and creativity.
In retirement, he returned to painting, his choice of subject not landscapes or portraits, but with microscopic insect anatomy, elevated to vibrant and surreal art. His recent work featured in Bath reimagines the tiny structures of spider genitalia as complex, colourful forms that reflect the intricate beauty and hidden complexity of nature.
Peter Smithers series of paintings, Linyphiidae 1, listed in the booklet of the Entographica art exhibition in Bath 2026
Acknowledgements page of the Entographica booklet, inclusive of the Royal Entomological Society’s Goodman Fund, Peter Smithers, Max Barclay, Beulah Garner, Erica McAlister and Buglife
Inspiration from Within the RES Community
Peter has long been engaged at the intersection of entomology and culture, including supporting RES events that explore how science and art intersect. Details of these expeditions into the arts can be found in his book, ‘Small Game Hunter’.
His ongoing interest in creative expression follows from earlier work connecting entomology to music, dance, theatre and visual art, reflecting a belief that insects can inspire beyond the laboratory too.
Peter’s pieces featured at Entographica challenge our assumptions about insects and blur the line between scientific observation and artistic wonder, inviting viewers to see insects not as “creepy-crawlies”, but as astonishing, delicate subjects worthy of artistic exploration.
A delightful anecdote from the exhibition’s build-up is that part of Peter’s artistic inspiration for his recent work came from the RES Library Christmas card series displayed during last year’s #InsectAdvent, a creative project celebrating insect diversity through archival imagery that took its audience on a journey from 1862 – 1943 with works by Frank Nelson Pierce and others that resonated with Peter’s own artistic sensibilities.
What began as a festive celebration of insects helped spark new artistic creations – a reminder of how shared resources and small creative moments can ripple outward into something bigger.
Supporting Art, Science and Emerging Talent
The Bath Entographica exhibition celebrates not only established voices but also up-and-coming artists, showing how entomology continues to inspire creativity across generations and disciplines.
Peter Smithers is proud to be sharing this exhibition space alongside a diverse group of 16 artists whose pieces explore insects through glass, textile, printmaking, sculpture and more. Entographica brings together the talents of Bridget Bailey, Laura Benetton, Tracey Bush, Tess Chodan, Louisa Crispin, Arlette Ess, Sarah Gillespie, Fleur Grenier, Katy Harrald, John Lamerton, Lucy Sylvester, Rhea Thierstein, John Walters and KT Yun, each offering a unique artistic response to the insect world – This group of artists have worked tirelessly across four years to produce this diverse range of art works to then bring them together as Entographica.
The Royal Entomological Society is particularly delighted to see work by Emily Carter, whose long-standing collaborations with RES include the much-loved Insectarium series and illustrated Seedball tins, projects that have helped introduce insect science to new and younger audiences through art and a love of gardening.
Together, the exhibition aims to shift public perception of insects, inviting wonder, empathy and appreciation for the small creatures that play vital roles in maintaining life on our planet, and reinforcing the idea that entomology thrives not only in laboratories and fieldwork, but also through culture, collaboration and imagination.
The exhibition runs from 2–25 February 2026, with free entry and no booking required. Works are displayed alongside talks and connected events that explore facets of insect culture and representation in art.
A Community of Stories
Peter Smithers’ display at the exhibition is a wonderful example of the rich and varied contributions made by Fellows and Honorary Fellows of the Society. From research and education to art and public engagement, these stories show the many ways entomology can shape lives and creative practice.
The Royal Entomological Society is proud that the exhibition was supported by the RES Goodman Fund, helping to make this celebration of insect-inspired art possible. By supporting initiatives like this, RES helps foster connections between scientists, artists and the public, opening doors to new audiences and fresh perspectives on insect science.
Get Involved
Are you a Fellow or Honorary Fellow with a great story to share?
Whether your work connects insects with art, culture, education or unexpected places, we’d love to hear from you. Help us to celebrate both the scientific and the creative achievements of our Honorary Fellows and others in the RES community.
Get in touch and your story could be featured on the Royal Entomological Society website.
