350 hours, 200,000 knots, 1 macramé periodic table
Surrey biochemistry graduate Jane Stewart has created a unique celebration of the International Year of the Periodic Table – in the form of a macramé version of one of the most influential achievements in modern science.
The extraordinary feat took 350 hours and 200,000 knots to complete at Jane Stewart’s Guildford home.
The work of art is set for a starring role in the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements (IYPT2019), as designated by UNESCO and marking 150 years since Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev devised the iconic chart. Before embarking on the first of its travels to the launch celebrations in Paris last month, it was unveiled for the first time at the University of Surrey’s Senate House on Monday 21 January, where it hung for a week.
Jane was inspired to take on the project by her father Nevin, a retired industrial chemist and FRSC, after developing her hobby through the creation of increasingly intricate projects such as a set of Super Mario play blocks for her nephew.
Professor Dulcie Mulholland, Head of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Surrey, said: "The Periodic Table is one of the most important foundation stones in modern science. It reflects the essence not only of chemistry, but also of physics, biology and other basic sciences disciplines. It is fitting that the periodic table, which maps the fabric of all of the materials that surround us in the natural and human-made world, has been captured in this intricate series of knots. We’re honoured that Jane has allowed the creation to be unveiled at her own University, before heading off on its international travels."
"Macramé gives a sense of achievement", says Jane.
You get 'in flow' while you're working. Being creative keeps you busy and you can share the hobby with others, or work alone.
"It is very soothing, much like knitting. Individual knots don't take much thought. I enjoy designing my own patterns to follow. I'm a scientist by training and the ordered craft form reminds me of lab experiments at university. Method repeat result."
With support from the RSC, the work will now embark on a tour of the UK. In February the work will be displayed at the University of Durham, followed by St Catharine’s College, Cambridge in March. In the summer it will feature at York Festival of Ideas and at a Royal Society of Chemistry family day in Aberdeen. In September it will be exhibited at the University of Edinburgh (Nevin’s alma mater) and the University of Warwick.
Jane also plans to take it into schools as part of her STEM ambassador role, promoting science to children.
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