Meet the Maker: Floralia - In conversation with Anna Collette Hunt

Image: Jonty Howe Photography

Main image: Anna Collette Hunt

We love finding out what makes a creative mind tick, so in honour our new craft and design showcase, Floralia, we asked the makers behind it just that. 

Anna is known for her intricate wall mounted swarms of magical insects and shimmering curiosities. Drawing inspiration from folklore, Victorian science, and the natural world, her work blends beauty with the macabre. Each piece is meticulously hand-crafted in her studio and finished with opalescent lustres, capturing the shimmer of wings and the wonder of transformation.

For Floralia, Anna has included an array of otherworldly butterflies, moths and of course bees in honour of the Manchester bee.

Image: Jonty Howe Photography

What inspires your work? 

I’m inspired by the vastness of the universe and our small, fleeting place within it. My work reflects a deep awe for nature—especially insects—and a desire to raise awareness of their fragility in the face of human impact. I’m also drawn to folklore and magical tales, where creatures become symbols and the natural world holds secret power. My pieces sit at the edge of science and storytelling, inviting wonder and reflection. 

Tell us a bit more about the inspiration for the pieces you have included in the Floralia showcase. 

During a visit to the museum, I was captivated by the Renaissance paintings—by their flowing femininity, rich colours, and the hidden insects tucked within the scenes. I imagined a delicate swarm of moths, beetles, butterflies, and bees drifting into the space. The Manchester bee felt essential—a symbol of resilience and community—quietly weaving the city's identity into the fabric of the work 

Tell us a bit more about your practice. 

I begin by sketching insects from natural history collections, then bring them into the studio to reimagine as magical, fairy-tale creatures. I sculpt original models, make moulds to reproduce them, and add carved details and extra limbs or wings. My finishes are inspired by deep space—using glassy glazes with gold and platinum lustres to give each piece a precious, otherworldly glow. 

Describe your workspace. 

I work from my home studio in Sherwood, Nottingham—a light, airy space filled with treasures collected over time: old books, stones, bottles, and woven baskets. I like to keep it clean and organized, though it’s often a little wild in practice. My cat Jenny is my faithful studio companion, quietly watching over my creative process. 

Who has influenced & inspired you? 

My work is inspired by a blend of natural history, Victorian folklore, and cosmic wonder. Writers like Jules Michelet and Renaissance artists have shaped my vision, alongside the delicate magic of entomology. I’m also deeply inspired by ceramic artist Malene Hartmann Rasmussen, whose mastery of form and texture pushes the boundaries of what clay can express. 

What is your favourite piece or design you have made? 

It’s hard to choose just one, but I especially love making the bees. Each bee is crafted from seven moulded pieces fused together, and they seem to take on my mood as I work—some have softer wings, others are more heavily dusted with gold. Every swarm that emerges from the kiln is slightly different from the last, and I treasure those subtle, magical variations.