Spectacular science/art collaboration inaugurated at diamond Light source

Spectacular science/art collaboration inaugurated at Diamond Light Source

November 2007

Guests admiring the artwork in its new location at Diamond Light Source

Over one hundred members of the Oxfordshire Federation of Woman’s Institutes (WI) gathered together at Diamond Light Source this week to mark the finale of one of the largest art/science projects in the UK. The innovative science/art collaboration - called ‘Designs for Life’ - resulted in the production of 30 textile art panels depicting some of the ‘dangerously beautiful’ viruses and diseases such as HIV, breast cancer and Alzheimer’s, that are likely to be investigated as part of biosciences research at the new UK synchrotron facility.

Under the guidance of leading textile artist, Anne Griffiths, over 1,000 individuals have contributed to the production of a piece of striking textile art using a variety of techniques including patchwork, quilting, hand and machine embroidery. The ceremony held on Tuesday, saw the artwork installed in its final position, having reached the end of a tour of venues in the county where it has been seen by thousands of local residents.

WI members in the Diamond atrium

The project was launched on 2 March last year, when groups from Oxfordshire WIs visited Diamond Light Source to talk to scientists and learn more about the health-related research possible at such a facility. The visit prompted discussion and debate surrounding the prioritisation of such research and lead to the identification of a number of priority topics to be incorporated into the artwork – including breast cancer, flu, malaria, HIV, osteoporosis and asthma.

The project was officially set in motion on 22 April 2006 when the first stitch was embroidered by Pauline Goddard, Chairman of the Oxfordshire Federation of WIs, at the Weston-on-the-Green group meeting. This was the beginning of a remarkable journey for this particular panel, which went on to appear at numerous WI group meetings, local institutes, open days, coach trips and even a carol service! By the end of the project, over 1000 people had contributed at least one stitch to this panel, including a number of Diamond staff and scientists.

Clare Dimond from the BA, Diamond scientist Nick Terrill, textile artist Anne Griffiths and Diamond scientists Jose Brandao-Neto and Ralf Flaig show off some of the panels.

Isabelle Boscaro-Clarke, Diamond’s Head of Communications says; "Diamond is extremely grateful to all the members of the Oxfordshire WI who contributed to this exciting science/art project. The initiative has been a fantastic success and reflects Diamond’s commitment to working with the local community to promote a better understanding of our work. This innovative fusion of science and art is now on display in the Diamond House atrium, where staff and visitors will be able to enjoy its intricate stitch work, stunning colours and thought provoking source material for years to come."

The Designs for Life project has been a collaboration between The Oxford Trust, Diamond Light Source and the Oxfordshire Federation of the Womens Institute (WI), with funding from the Wellcome Trust.

Ends

For further information or images, please contact Ruth Harman or Jane Bevan at Firebird PR on 01235 835297 or e-mail [email protected]

Notes to Editors

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s new synchrotron facility located on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in South Oxfordshire. This giant machine produces light of exceptional brightness – around 100 billion times brighter than a hospital x-ray machine and 10 billion times brighter than light from the sun – will enable scientists to probe deep into matter down to the scale of its constituent atoms and molecules. These incredible insights will have far-reaching implications in all areas of science, from engineering and environmental studies, to materials and medical research. Diamond is the largest science facility to be built in the UK for 40 years and is set to play a major role in facilitating ground breaking science that is carried out in this country over the coming decades.
Anne Griffiths is a textile artist and member of the WI, who lives and works in a small Cotswold village on the borders of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Using both natural and chemical dyes combined with a variety of stitch techniques Anne works primarily in machine embroidery on sheer fabrics. For more information visit www.annegriffiths.com
The Oxford Trust is an independent charitable foundation that works to encourage the study, application and communication of science and technology. It has been working in the field of Science Communication for nearly 20 years and is experienced in delivering pioneering, high quality innovative projects for schools and for the public. For more information visit www.oxtrust.org.uk.
The National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) is the largest voluntary organisation for women in the UK with 211,000 members in England, Wales and the Islands and provides women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills, to take part in a wide variety of activities and to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities. The Oxfordshire Federation of the Women’s Institute comprises 146 WIs located all over the county allowing members to participate in numerous events including talks, day schools, visits and activities. For more information visit www.womens-institute.org.uk/oxfordshire.
The Wellcome Trust, one of the world's leading biomedical research charities and the UK's largest non-governmental source of funds for biomedical research. For more information visit www.wellcome.ac.uk.

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Spectacular science/art collaboration inaugurated at diamond Light source

Spectacular science/art collaboration inaugurated at Diamond Light Source

Notes to Editors