Living Science, Living Art: A discussion between biographers of artists and scientists

Brenda Maddox and Claire Tomalin, chaired by Professor Lisa Jardine
Thursday October 17th 2002, at the Ri

These highly respected writers have charted the lives of numerous artists and scientist and will share their experiences in a public discussion, chaired by Professor Lisa Jardine.

Biography offers us a journey into the lives of leading artists, writers, politicians and scientists. Through the meticulous research of the biographer, we gain insights into the factors that shape success and failure: personality, relationships, prevailing social norms and much more.

But how does research into the life of a scientist compare with that of an artist? Are there different approaches to portraying their lives? Leading biographers Brenda Maddox and Claire Tomalin will discuss the challenges they have faced in charting the lives of artist and scientists across the centuries.