Drawn by Wageningen

Starting at the end of the 19^th century, science and art have met many times in the history of Wageningen University & Research. Drawings and designs were made in the practices of education and research for different purposes. To observe animal and plant life, or to display results of studies. These objects are now displayed near the staircase on each floor in the Library according to the three centennial themes: Life, Earth and Food. In Life we focus on the materials that illustrate different formats of how life emerges, such as drawings of cells, seeds, and eggs and models of animal wombs. In Earth we show how ‘Wageningen’ examined and mapped soils and helped to shape landscape, mainly in the Netherlands but also in the world. And, finally, in Food we demonstrate the diversity of food production. It also makes us wonder how we relate to it all. Drawn by Wageningen is on display in Forum Library and can be seen during it's regular opening hours.

“Science meets Art” is the display’s theme in the Reading Room of the Special Collections department. The presentation illuminates many of our institution’s academic highlights including the original books, paintings and drawings that were used to fashion a unique centennial wallet with 10 cards. Most of the images were made around the beginning of the twentieth century for publications intended to popularize the natural sciences for a wider audience. These pictures blur the line between science and art. They represent a valuable collection of Wageningen University & Research’s heritage as they were specifically acquired by professors of the National Agricultural College in its starting years. It’s no coincidence then that these images were selected for this wallet that was created for the 100 Years Gifts.

Science meets Art is on display in the Special Collections reading room from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. To visit the collection in the afternoon or with a group, please inquire with Special Collections for an appointment.

Drawn by Wageningen complements the exhibition Gemaakt voor Stad en Wereld [Made for City and World] at the Wageningen museum De Casteelse Poort. This exhibition offers the visitor a historical narrative of 100 years Wageningen U&R in 14 themes.