Bron Sibree interviews Walter Marsh about his book ‘The Butterfly Thief’ (opens original article in a new tab)

Walter Marsh's book 'The Butterfly Thief' recounts the theft of museum specimens by Colin Wyatt and examines the broader ethical and historical issues within the museum system and colonialism.

• Walter Marsh's book 'The Butterfly Thief' details the theft of museum specimens by Colin Wyatt, an amateur naturalist who stole thousands of butterflies and altered labels to cover his tracks.
• The book also explores the historical context of colonialism and the ethical issues surrounding museum collections, including the exploitation of indigenous remains and the role of figures like Edward Charles Stirling.
• Marsh draws parallels between Wyatt's actions and broader patterns of exploitation during the age of exploration, highlighting the lasting impact on scientific research and the integrity of museum collections.