_Leading scientist Rosalind Franklin honoured by permanent sculpture at Hampstead Manor

A leading figure in the field of Science, Rosalind Franklin (25 July 1920 – 16 April 1958), has been honoured via a permanent tondo portrait at Hampstead Manor, Kidderpore Avenue, North West London.

May 04, 2021

Instrumental in discovering the double helix formations of DNA, Rosalind Franklin pioneered the way for women in science and technology.

She is also credited with being a leading figure in identifying the structure of viruses, helping to lay the foundation for the field of structural virology. She sadly passed away from ovarian cancer at the age of 37 in 1958, missing out on a Nobel Prize.

The sculpture depicts Rosalind framed by formations of DNA and takes pride of place outside Hampstead Manor.

The luxury development sits on the site of the former Westfield College - a former women’s college for botany, and the first of its kind to prepare women for university degrees.

The site later formed part of the King’s College London campus, where Rosalind was a research associate at the time she made her discovery.

Above: The tondo of Rosalind Franklin credit: Ben Montgomery

Developer Mount Anvil commissioned the tondo by up-and-coming artist, Keziah Burt who has recently been selected to exhibit at the Royal Society of British Artists Annual Exhibition.

Lisa Ravenscroft, Chief Marketing Officer at Mount Anvil commented, “Rosalind Franklin paved the way for women in science, but like many women at the time she didn’t get the recognition she deserved. So, I am thrilled to be unveiling the tondo which will be positioned proudly on the building named after her at Hampstead Manor in her honour".