Wolfson alumnus donates sculpture to College

Nigel, who studied for his PhD in Biochemistry at Wolfson from 1980-1983, uses his artistic practice to negotiate the representation of nature in sculptural, often abstract, form – "Nature Writ Large." He has dedicated this latest piece of work to Wolfson's President, Professor Jane Clarke. 

"Reticulations are found throughout nature: in the veins of a leaf, in the pattern of a river delta, even in the cosmic web. Jane dedicated her scientific career to protein folding, which is a type of reticulation, and as an abstraction of the general theme of reticulations I've in turn dedicated this work to Jane's life and work.” 

After his own career as a scientist, working mainly as an entrepreneur, Nigel had what he calls a “revelation in Prague.” He moved to Girona, a small medieval town in Catalonia, Spain, and devoted himself full-time to sculpture, and teaching himself the medium. Now, seven years later, he makes about five sculptures a year, working across materials. Reticulations is carved from Spanish sandstone, which is notable for its brilliant polish.

Because of his background, Nigel often collaborates with famous scientists, and many of his sculptures find their way into universities and scientific institutions—and, of course, Wolfson.

“I have huge gratitude for the period of time I spent at Wolfson,” says Nigel, “which I think is a time you carry with you for the rest of your life. It launched my career.”

Alongside Wolfson, two of his works will go to Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory, and two more will be donated to other Cambridge institutions. 

“We are delighted to accept Nigel's generous donation of Reticulations – a gift that not only enriches Wolfson’s interior spaces but also represents the connection between our alumni and the College community. We are honoured to have his work as a tribute to Jane’s scientific work and to Wolfson." - Simon Crookall, Director of Development