disney meets DNA

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

2006

An exhibition of drawings by John Thomson at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History

8th March – 7th May 2006
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Parks Road
Oxford
OX1 3PW

This exhibition was not botanic illustration but more a personal drawn response to the seemingly calm oasis of the Oxford University Botanic Garden.

> View a month by month selection of drawings and photographs from the Oxford residency.

Every Tuesday, from September 2004 for twelve months sculptor John Thomson worked from his 'red shed' studio in the garden, wandering amongst the hugely varied but compact plant collection, scribbling and noting plant and people behaviour. As a member of Plant Science dryly commented 'plants don’t walk or excrete' but apart from that they are similarly programmed to be noticed, and to draw attention to themselves.

The stone walls and river enclose a vibrant and colourful collection that continues to have contemporary relevance for science and commerce and the linked worlds of education, entertainment and the arts.

The exhibition contained drawings and sketchbooks.

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The exhibition also contained documentary photography by Claire Waffel.

From top: Shelf, John, Interior
more photos at www.clairewaffel.com