'Take one egg'

Published: 14 April 2003

A winning recipe that mixes art and science to create a wonderful exhibition at the Hunterian Museum from April 14

A winning recipe that mixes art and science to create a wonderful exhibition at the Hunterian Museum from April 14

The artistic value of science or the scientific value of art? A conundrum that could be puzzled over for a long time. Visit 'Take one egg' at The Hunterian Museum and you can see where science and art overlap to dramatic effect.

Borne from nearly 25 years of research into the study of eggs by Professor Sally Solomon of the University of Glasgow, this fascinating exhibition marries scientific images with aesthetic appeal.

Professor Solomon explained, 'As a microscopist, I had gathered a vast collection of black and white images and had resisted requests to 'add colour'. However, tempted by a new colour software package, I ran a few trials for my own amusement. The effect was startling and my new project had begun'

Sally worked closely with colleagues, Colin Wilson and Alan May, in their spare time to create a collection of over 20 images: never anticipating that they would be viewed publicly.

Interestingly, students who would normally avoid making any comment on the black and white micrographs were now requesting copies for their walls.

However, a conversation with Dr Neil Clark of the Hunterian Museum has led to a temporary change of direction for Sally as she prepares to curate her first exhibition. With sponsorship from professional publications and suppliers, 'Take one egg' opens today, Monday 14 April until May 14, at the Hunterian Museum, University of Glasgow.

Sally continued, 'When the colour was added to the sepia images, it created a different perspective and we have had great fun choosing their working titles ? Easy on the Mustard, Foie Gras and Smartie Pants ? to name but a few. When you consider that the raw material involved, the egg shell, is normally thrown away or at best composted, it's quite a revelation to see the effort put into its construction.'

The images were the core of Sally's research into egg pathologies and structure. The eggshell is the common raw material in most of the images on display. It has the capacity to reflect changes in diet and housing and so has found an invaluable role as a 'non-invasive' indicator of bird and reptile welfare.

The science derived from Professor Solomon's observations has already been published. This fascinating artistic by-product of her research is only beginning to emerge.

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)


Jpegs of a selection of the images are available through the Univerity Press Office on 0141 330 3535 / 3683 or by email to k.cattell@admin.gla.ac.uk

You are invited to a press preview of the exhibition between 3.30pm - 4.30pm on Monday 14 April ahead of the official opening at 5.30pm.

First published: 14 April 2003

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