Artistic Description

During our research into DNA we discovered the importance of scientist Rosalind Franklin, who made the first clear X-Ray image of the structure of DNA. In a tribute to Rosalind Franklin’s work, we, the artists, have placed her Photo 51 prominently in these prints.

Franklins pioneering techniques in X-ray diffraction led to the discovery of this photograph used here in repeats along with a bold DNA and bandings of blue.

With this photograph as physical evidence, but without her knowledge or consent, Watson and Crick went on to publish their Nobel Prize-winning theoretical structure of DNA in Nature in 1953.

National Institute of Medical Research - Essay on Rosalind Franklin

Technical Description

Rosalind Franklins pioneering techniques in X-ray diffraction created the image of Photo 51, leading to the discovery of the structure of DNA.

Using this image as physical evidence, without her knowledge or consent, Watson and Crick went on to publish their Nobel Prize-winning theoretical structure of DNA in Nature in 1953.

In “A Vision of Rosalind 2”, her Photo 51 is housed in circles of colour, beside the iconic structure of DNA. The vertical columns of bright colours refer to the warm sun and tourgoise sea - perhaps another vision Rosalind experienced?