Last week I attended the opening of the new nature gallery at the museum. It was a really great evening with lots to see; I had a great time. I didn't take too many pictures as I was too busy looking at things, but I did get my mum to snap me a couple of outfit photos before we left. There were people walking in between us all the time we were trying to take the photos, so you'll forgive me for looking a little wooden!

I wore a new 1950s dress and added my bird skull necklace in honour of the natural history theme. This is the dress that reminds me of the dress worn by my grandmother here (fourth photo). Obviously it isn't exactly the same, but it makes the dress feel a little more special.

A small warning before we go any further - there are photos in this blog post of me holding a giant millipede and a snake, so if you're phobic of that kind of thing then feel free to leave. There are three more photos before we get to the first one with the millie :)









Some of the other staff from the university were at the gallery doing some invertebrate handling... I of course jumped on the opportunity to get acquainted with the gorgeous banded millipede which is new to the uni's collection. Such a total cutie.



I also had a go at holding this hognose snake which belonged to another company doing animal handling. I was really taken with her as you can see.



This last photo is inspired by this blog post by Sara of Lilies and Remains and this picture from Solanah of Vixen Vintage's instagram. I feel like my attempt is a poor imitation, but something about the images really spoke to me. I think I may try again to capture a better recreation when the museum is a bit less busy. I'm sure people thought we were a bit mad as I was trying to instruct my mum in how to use my camera whilst posing with my back to the shot.