Mosaic snake by iconic artist Linder to be unveiled at London Zoo

A mosaic snake by iconic artist Linder is to be unveiled at London Zoo in honour of herpetologist Joan Procter for ZSL’s 200th anniversary. 

A winding snake mosaic has been revealed as the legacy artwork to commemorate ZSL’s 200th anniversary, at London Zoo.

Today (Thursday 26 March 2026) ZSL, in partnership with the Contemporary Arts Society *Consultancy (CASC) and artist Linder Sterling, has revealed the design of the new artwork being created to mark our 200th anniversary; a giant outdoor snake mosaic.

The artwork, designed by the acclaimed artist Linder - known for her photography, feminist photomontage and all-encompassing performance art – honours the legacy of pioneering zoologist Joan Procter – ZSL’s first female curator of reptiles at London Zoo.

Constructed from off cuts of marble tesserae, and framed by granite, the mosaic depicts an Ethiopian Mountain adder. Its winding form evokes the display tables of the Victorian era, traditionally used to present marble and geological specimens, subtly referencing the scientific culture of ZSL’s early days while honouring Procter’s innovative contributions to reptile care.

Linder hosted ‘zine’ workshop sessions with students, young people, and older participants at ZSL’s two conservation zoos, London and Whipsnade, alongside conducting research in the ZSL Prince Philip Zoological Library & Archives and the Library & Archive at Girton College, Cambridge. These sessions explored themes of empathy, perception, and conservation, directly informing the development of the work.

Highlighting two centuries of ZSL’s efforts to build humanity’s understanding of wildlife, the artwork aims to bring renewed attention to Procter’s groundbreaking contributions to reptile care and herpetology. Joan tragically died aged just 34, but in her time, transformed how reptiles were cared for and studied, famously designing innovative new enclosures which recognised reptiles’ need for UV light, and caring for animals including Komodo dragons during their first arrival at London Zoo.

ZSL CEO Kathryn England said: “Joan Procter was a visionary scientist whose work transformed the care and understanding of reptiles at ZSL and beyond. Her wonderful turn of phrase, ‘Think of this sometime’, which will be recreated in her distinctive handwriting on the artwork, resonates deeply at ZSL – if we all think of wildlife, of the planet, more often, then we can achieve great things for all that live on it.  

“As we celebrate 200 years of ZSL, it is fitting to honour Joan Procter's legacy with a major new artwork that reflects our scientific heritage and uncovers a story that deserves greater recognition.”

Influential women in ZSL's history

The mosaic is part of a partnership between ZSL, the Contemporary Arts Society *Consultancy, and Linder Sterling, supported by the Pears Foundation. The collaboration is an exciting intersection between art, science and conservation, and today’s announcement marks the first reveal of the artwork’s subject and design inspiration.

Linder Sterling said: "A memorial mosaic honouring the life of the herpetologist Joan Beauchamp Procter (1897–1931) led to a fascinating journey of discovery at ZSL. Commissioned by the Contemporary Arts Society *Consultancy, the project offered a rare opportunity to work in a new medium. In the process, I began to recognise parallels between the design and placement of tesserae and the cutting and positioning of motifs within my photomontage practice.

“Despite her brief life, Joan Procter left behind a luminous legacy of enquiry and innovation. From the age of fourteen, her innate rapport with animals set her on a singular path, culminating in her appointment as the first female Curator of Reptiles at ZSL’s London Zoo at just twenty years old. Through her work, Joan deftly educated the public so that they could share her curiosity and admiration for the beauty and charm of every species."

CAS *Consultancy Senior Art Producer Katharina Worf said: "We are delighted to collaborate with pioneering artist Linder Sterling on her first ever large-scale permanent mosaic, created to celebrate ZSL’s 200th anniversary. This landmark artwork will form a lasting public legacy, honouring both ZSL’s history and its extraordinary people for generations to come.

“Linder’s bold design draws on her renowned expertise in photomontage, performance, and photography, translated for the first time into the medium of mosaic. Like her meticulous work with paper and scalpel in photomontage, she approaches mosaic with the same precision, care, and imagination. The project has been deeply informed by engagement with ZSL’s archives, staff, and local communities, unearthing hidden histories and stories that cast the institution’s remarkable legacy in a fresh light.

“This has been a huge collaborative effort, with an extensive team working alongside Linder to create a meaningful and beautiful artwork. We hope it will inspire visitors for years to come and shine a spotlight on extraordinary women and their achievements, particularly the pioneering zoologist Joan Procter."

Due to be unveiled at London Zoo this summer, the mosaic will provide a new focal point for visitors during ZSL’s 200th anniversary year and beyond, inviting people to reflect on the organisation’s past while inspiring future generations to care about wildlife and the natural world.