UCL Public Engagement Unit

Revisiting Galton was a creative investigation into the life, work and working practices of 19th century Romantic scientist Francis Galton. Three artists, Annabelle Dalby, Janne Malmros and Lucy Steggals, had open access to his expansive archives and collection held at UCL during the second half of 2010.

Creator of the first weather map, pioneer of fingerprinting and statistical analysis, author of the best seller “The Art of Travel”, which included advice on how best to cut a cake in order to preserve its moistness, Galton was a man who excelled in many areas. For many, however, he has been demonised as "The Father of Eugenics" and has subsequently been written out of history. This project did not attempt to disprove this moniker but simply to re-consider and re-present some aspects of Galton's work making it possible for other readings to exist. The project used the methodologies of contemporary art to provide a new lens for exploring the different sides of Galton, in some ways mirroring his own interdisciplinary and unconventional practice.

The three artists and curator Simon Gould worked closely with UCL’s Special Collections, Museums & Collections and other UCL researchers. In an exhibition at UCL, they presented their interim findings as Revisiting Galton began its second phase leading towards a major exhibition in 2011, the centenary of Francis Galton’s death.

Revisiting Galton was funded by the Wellcome Trust.

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