Approaching the Double Helix Sculpture, you might initially see just a swirling metal form. But look closer. This isn’t just art. It’s a tribute to a scientific revolution. The Double Helix Sculpture in Clare College Memorial Court celebrates the groundbreaking discovery of the DNA structure. It was a gift from James Watson himself, one of the scientists who unlocked this secret of life right here in Cambridge. The sculpture, created by Charles Jencks in 2005, is made of aluminum and stands as a testament to human ingenuity. Watson, a Clare College alumnus, made the 1953 discovery with Francis Crick. This very spot, Memorial Court, is where Watson lived during that pivotal time. The sculpture’s inscription tells the story, acknowledging the contributions of Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. It also explains the double helix: two strands linked by base pairs. This elegant structure, spiraling upwards, symbolizes the very essence of life.
Old Cavendish East Wing
Wondering where some of science’s greatest discoveries happened? You are standing in front of the Old Cavendish East Wing. It