Lepidopterist Margaret Fountaine defied Victorian social conventions [audio 8min]

Margaret Fountaine defied the social conventions of Victorian England in favour of personal freedom. She spent most of her life travelling solo around the world in pursuit of specimens for her butterfly collection, and died recognised not only as a respected lepidopterist, but also as a indefatigable traveller. Since her death in 1940 she has fallen into obscurity, but now a new book attempts to celebrate her life and work. Presenter Jenni Murray speaks to its author Natascha Scott-Stokes about her book Wild and Fearless: The Life of Margaret Fountaine (Peter Owen). At Norwich Castle Museum an exhibition runs from September 23 and, for the first time ever, the Fountaine-Neimy Collection of 23,000 butterflies will be opened to the public in its entirety. Butterfly Day at Norwich Castle Museum takes place on Sept 23 from 11.00am, and Natascha Scott-Stokes will be giving a gallery talk at 11.30am.