Botany Collection - Ram’s Head Lady’s-slipper, Cypripedium arietinum

A Rare Gem, A Splendid Display

This little Ram’s Head lady’s-slipper is one of Nova Scotia’s rarest vascular plant species, sprinkled about Hants County in only a few locations. It deserves to be shown off. But there’s a problem. Plants stored for scientific study are two-dimensional, not to mention dead, and can make for pretty dull displays. Fortunately, the Nova Scotia Museum had model-maker David Coldwell on staff for years. With the help of some acetate, copper wire and a little magic, Coldwell was able to bring this rare orchid to life for our visitors.

Object type: 
botanical model
Object #: 
not accessioned; exhibit material
Collection name: 
Curator: 
Date (age/made): 
June 1990
Origin/place: 
Halifax, NS
Materials: 
acetate, copper wire, walnut base
Dimensions: 
26 x 21cm