In the past Nature in Art has shown a collection of photomicrographs which gave visitors an insight into aspects of the usually invisible beauty of Nature. This exhibition follows a similar theme, and was as a result of a collaboration between Diamond Light Source, The Oxford Trust and the Oxfordshire Federation of the women’s institute (WI) and was funded by the welcome trust, with Anne Griffiths as lead artist. The exhibition of thirty textile panels depicts some of the ‘dangerously beautiful’ viruses and diseases which are investigated at Diamond Light Source Diamond Light source, is a synchrotron, a complex machine which creates extremely bright, pin pointed light in the form of infrared, ultraviolet and Xray which allows scientists to study the world around us at the scale of atoms and molecules. These intense X-rays illuminate the Sample in question, revealing vital information about its structure and chemical composition. This unique display combines science and art, with the deadliest viruses represented using contemporary textile techniques such as the lace effect of free machine embroidery to create spongy brain, a symptom of BSE. Flat silky red and black Seminole patchwork shows a DNA finger print, appliqué work is used to represent malaria, purple is specifically used to represent how diseases have become associated with colour. Other examples of scientific symbolism include knitting in ‘Chromosomes’ to represent DNA packed into a small cell nucleus or the Dorset buttons to represent the receptors that the flu virus uses to attach to cells. Under the guidance of leading textile artist Anne Griffiths, over 1000 scientists and members of the WI skilled in textile work have contributed to the translation of the designs into textile art exploiting many different textile techniques, which have resulted in a fascinating interpretation of science and nature which has been one of the largest art/science projects in the UK in recent years. As part of this exhibition we will have an evening talk by Anne Griffiths the leading Textile artist on Wednesday June 16th to book please call 01452 731422. We will also have an art course lead by Anne Griffiths on the 3rd to the 4th of July where participants can make mini panels using similar concepts as those in Designs for Life.