For the windows of the Wellcome Trust‘s headquarters in London, Scottish textile designers Timorous Beasties found inspiration in the institution’s work on the human genome and malaria.
Lampshades and lace mosquito net and detail of the Fly Lice Lamp
They designed 48 lamp shades featuring tsetse flies, paisley patterns made from germs, argyle checks made from syringes and other motifs featuring veins and human fetuses. These hang as a double helix, mimicking the shape of DNA, spanning the full height of the 5 metre high windows.
A specially commissioned lace “mosquito net”, the most basic defence against malaria, hangs behind the lamps. The lace features a pattern made from interwoven mosquitoes, microscopes and syringes.
Rat lampshades and Flies and scientist
Once Were Farmers, a Scottish animation company, have created four films to complement the window displays. These are projected onto the pavement in front of the windows, drawing attention to the installation. They also take images from the Wellcome Trust collections that relate to the designs by Timorous Beasties (more images and videos.)
Wellcome Trust HQ, 215 Euston Road, London, until October 07.