London Butterfly House
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The London Butterfly House was a visitor attraction in Brentford where the public could view butterflies, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and arachnids.
The building itself, known as the Great Conservatory, is still open to the public[1]. Set in the grounds of Syon House, it overlooks a lake and contained hundreds of the world's most exotic species of butterfly along with descriptions and illustrations, and a small aviary.
The London Butterfly House closed on 28th October 2007, due to the Duke of Northumberland's plans to build an hotel complex on the land. There was a proposal to build a replacement Butterfly House in Gunnersbury Park, but this was rejected by the ODPM Office of the Deputy Prime Minister who said that a public enquiry would be required.
The owners of the London Butterfly House have acquired a wildife attraction in Long Sutton, Lincolnshire, to where the creatures from Brentford will be re-housed. Despite news reports of relocation, the Butterfly and Wildlife Park is a separate business, and the closure of the London attraction means there is now no butterfly house in London.
The London Butterfly House was also the setting for the music video to The Cure's 1984 single The Caterpillar, directed by Tim Pope.
