The annual LMB Arts and Crafts Show recently took place in the atrium of the LMB. It highlighted an array of artistic talent amongst the staff at the LMB and a wide range of inspiration for exhibits. Over 15 exhibitors took the opportunity to share their creative side and many more contributed through a display of artistic images submitted and used for the LMB365 image project.
One of the highlights was an intricate scroll clock. The spring driven skeleton clock has a fuzee with stopwork and Harrison maintaining gear. It has a recoil escapement and ‘one’ at the hour passing strike. All component parts with the exception of the mainspring, the bronze line and the bell, were made by the exhibitor and constructed to make a piece typical of the type of quality domestic clock that might have been seen in an elegant household of 150 years ago.
The LMB Craft and Chatter group took the theme of bees and collectively presented crocheted, needle-felted, knitted and pom-pom bees, in an exhibition complete with hand-made flowers, and honeycomb produced by the real LMBees. Other craft entries included two wreaths adorned with crocheted seasonal flowers to represent spring and summer. A crocheted stag’s head looked out into the LMB atrium and nature was also the inspiration for needle and wet felted pictures, a needle-felted rabbit and crocheted birds. More exquisite knitting and crochet was also on display, including a burgundy lace pattern shawl that was worn at the crafter’s own wedding and a double-sided Fair Isle cowl which showcased a sample of different patterns. Cross-stitched pictures, bookmarks, handmade cards, and patchwork samples were also exhibited, with themes including flowers, Celtic patterns and a snowman.
A variety of paintings and drawings were on display, including three portraits of LMB Nobel Laureates, Max Perutz, Venki Ramakrishnan and Richard Henderson, which were completed as part of an art degree. Dogs and people were also popular subjects and a couple of pencil drawings of horses were also displayed. Finally, in the ever popular photography category, a wide variety of subjects had caught the eye of staff, from everyday objects to nature, travel and events.
David Street, organiser of the show commented, “Ever popular and newly re-named, the Arts and Crafts Show gave lab members the opportunity to share hidden talents with colleagues. The atrium was once again transformed with a beautiful and diverse range of craftsmanship, creating a tranquil atmosphere for all to enjoy.”
