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Hugh Aldersey-Williams

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Hugh Aldersey-Williams
EducationUniversity of Cambridge
Occupation(s)Author, journalist, columnist
Websitewww.hughalderseywilliams.com

Hugh Aldersey-Williams (born 1959) is a British author and journalist. Aldersey-Williams was educated at Highgate School and studied the natural sciences at the University of Cambridge. His several books discuss issues surrounding natural and man-made designs. He has curated exhibitions at the Victoria and Albert Museum as well as the Wellcome Collection.[1]

Aldersey-Williams is perhaps best known for his 2011 book Periodic Tales, which The Daily Telegraph described as "a paean to the building blocks of matter".[1][2] The book (ISBN 9780061824722) takes a comprehensive look through world history to detail where, how, and why humanity discovered the elements. It also received praise from Kirkus Reviews, which labelled it "lucid" and "enjoyable".[3] In October 2015 he co-curated an exhibition based on the book at Compton Verney Art Gallery, Periodic Tales: The Art of the Elements, exhibiting predominantly contemporary art works and focusing on the relationship between artistic objects and the elemental materials that go into their making.[4]

Aldersey-Williams contributed an essay on Sir Thomas Browne to The Society for Curious Thought.[5]

Background

Aldersey-Williams has a lifetime hobby, since his teenage days, of collecting samples of the elements and setting them up in his home.[2]

Books

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Four Way Interview - Hugh Aldersey-Williams". popularscience.co.uk. February 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2011. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ a b Farmelo, Graham (30 January 2011). "Periodic Tales by Hugh Aldersey-Williams: review". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 29 March 2011.
  3. ^ http://www.harpercollins.com/books/Periodic-Tales-Hugh-Aldersey-Williams/?isbn=9780061824722 [dead link]
  4. ^ Campbell-Johnston, Rachel (2 October 2015). "It's elemental: art with good chemistry". Times online. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
  5. ^ "'The Curious Mind of Sir Thomas Browne'".