Each original transparency measures approximately 96 cm high by 76 cm wide. Made of framed brown Manila paper, with shapes cut out, pinpricks and pieces of coloured and painted tissue paper stuck on the reverse of the cut-out shapes, they look very roughly-made at first glance. However, they are carefully designed so that when lit from behind they create striking images, conveying the beauty and intricacy of minute plants and creatures.

Below are three different images of one of the transparencies - showing how they were made and the effect created when lit up from behind.

The first image shows how the back of one of the transparencies was made - a shape was cut out of the manila paper, tissue paper stuck over the back of the shape and then backed with linen for strength. It looks very simple and belies how wonderful it will look once lit up.

The second image shows what the front of the same transparency looks like before it is lit up. Notice how the tissue section has been hand-painted in watercolour.

The third image shows how striking the same transparency is when it is fully lit from behind. The painted tissue paper and the shapes cut into the paper create a bold design. A more detailed effect is also made by piercing hundreds of tiny holes in the paper immediately around the centre.