Ethics Plolicy
Black Labyrinth Ethics Policy
Curiosity with Conscience
At Black Labyrinth, every object holds a story — and with that, a responsibility.
I take the ethics of sourcing, restoration, and curation as seriously as the craft itself. This is not fast fashion. This is not trend-chasing. Each specimen, relic, or fragment has been carefully chosen with respect for its origin, history, and the life it once belonged to.
Sourcing & Provenance
I work exclusively with long-established, specialist suppliers who share a deep commitment to sustainable sourcing and conservation. Many of the entomological specimens are sourced from farms where breeding supports wild populations, rather than depleting them. A percentage of profits from these suppliers is often reinvested into ecological restoration and conservation projects.
I ensure that no specimens from endangered or CITES-protected species are used in my work, and every piece is obtained legally and ethically. I avoid mass-production sellers and untraceable supply chains, sourcing only from reputable businesses that provide full transparency on the origins and legality of their stock.
Respectful Taxidermy & Conservation Practices
I engage in ethical taxidermy, using specimens that are legally and sustainably sourced. Many are by-products of natural causes or unavoidable loss. No animal is acquired for the sake of trend or aesthetic alone. Every preservation is done with care, following traditional techniques that honour both the specimen and the craft’s history.
Bone Processing & Respectful Preservation
I personally process all bone specimens offered through Black Labyrinth. Every piece is prepared by hand, using traditional, respectful techniques that honour the life it once belonged to. No part of this process is outsourced to mass processors or factory-style suppliers.
The bones I work with are sourced through ethical means: natural deaths, by-products of pest management, or legally obtained remains. I do not support or engage with suppliers who harvest animals purely for decorative purposes.
Processing bones is a slow, intentional craft. Every stage — from cleaning to whitening to final preservation — is done with care, patience, and reverence for the specimen’s history. This is not a rushed or mechanical process; it’s an act of preservation that respects both the natural world and the traditions of the craft.
Where possible, I prioritise the use of found or salvaged remains, giving overlooked fragments a second life as pieces of quiet beauty.
Antiques & Provenance Research
I approach every antique with curiosity and care, researching its history and origins wherever possible. For me, the value of a piece lies not only in its aesthetic, but in the story it carries — the maker, the materials, and the journey it has taken to reach the Labyrinth.
While not every item comes with a fully documented history, I strive to gather as much information as possible, ensuring that every piece is presented with honesty. If there are gaps or uncertainties in a piece’s past, I will always be transparent about what is known, and what remains a mystery.
Researching these fragments of history is a vital part of my curation process, and every item is selected with thought, intention, and respect.
Rejecting Exploitation
I do not engage with suppliers who profit from unethical wildlife trade, exploitative labour, or mass-produced replicas passed off as authentic. Black Labyrinth exists as a counter to the disposable culture of fast consumerism.
Accountability & Ongoing Learning
I acknowledge my own biases and blind spots as a collector. Ethical curation is not a fixed state but a continuous process of education, reflection, and conversation. I remain open to feedback, discussions, and always strive to refine my practices.
Why This Matters
Objects hold echoes of the hands that touched them, the lands they came from, and the stories they witnessed. To curate is to take responsibility for those echoes. Black Labyrinth will always be a place where wonder meets respect.
Transparency & Conversation
If you’d like to know more about my sourcing, processes, or ethics, I’m always open to questions. Black Labyrinth is built on curiosity, and I believe thoughtful dialogue is an essential part of responsible collecting.