On 28 July 1907 an American chemist and inventor whose name would become synonymous with plastic food containers was born.
Associate Curator of Chemistry Rupert Cole investigates the chemistry and history behind 3 essential World Cup objects: the trophy, the ball and the kit.
250 years ago William Cookworthy was awarded a patent for producing an English true hard-paste porcelain similar to that being produced in China and Germany. Curator of Chemistry Sophie Waring explores more.
Throughout history, amulets have been used to heal and protect the body from different evils and illnesses. What can these five objects tell us about their place in medicine?
Discover the role sticky tape played in the discovery of Graphene – a new wonder material.
Curator of Chemistry, Sophie Waring, explores the lasting legacy of Bakelite®.
Vantablack, the world’s blackest material, is on display at the Science Museum.
In this week’s blog linked to The Rubbish Collection, Curator Sarah Harvey follows some of the unexpected stories and personal objects that were found in the Museum’s bins. As the exhibition nears its end, what will happen to all this ‘rubbish’ afterwards? Much of the feedback I have received about Joshua Sofaer’s The Rubbish Collection, from both visitors and staff, has been about the surprising personal items and stories that have come out of the bins. When we were first […]
Joshua Sofaer’s art installation The Rubbish Collection showcases the sometimes surprising materials that are created from the everyday rubbish produced by staff, contractors and visitors at the Science Museum. After documenting all the Museum’s waste for 30 days we have traced where it goes, and how it is recycled and transformed from rubbish back into valuable materials. For recyclable rubbish put into the Museum’s recycling bins, the first port of call in the journey is the Grundon Material Recovery Facility […]
Rachel Boon blogs on creating a new display to explore the life and legacy of Alexander Parkes.
Sue Mossman explores the life of Alexander Parkes, inventor of early plastics.