The LSHTM is a world leader in developing vaccines and treatments, with the mission of improving global health. It is wonderful to be contributing towards this mission. The director of LSHTM, Peter Piot, was a key figure in responding to the recent Ebola Virus crisis, and so it was a natural fit for our charity donations to be given to the school; our Retroviral mugs are covered in images of viruses, so it makes sense for them to be linked to an institution which is battling the effects of these diseases.
Until yesterday, I had never visited the LSHTM campus! I was kindly invited to visit the school grounds, meet the team, and hear more about the school’s work and (super-interesting) history. LSHTM is housed in a beautiful 1920s building in London’s Bloomsbury. It has many of the original Art Deco features (including a droolworthy library), plus lots of Science-inspired artwork and historical artefacts (for example, John Snow’s replica pump handle… and no, not that John Snow).
Interesting fact: The original LSHTM campus was located near London’s Docklands, because sailors returning from far-flung locations would bring back unfamiliar illnesses – hence “Tropical Medicine” – that needed urgent attention! The corridors of the new campus have curved, wooden elements which are reminiscent of the hulls of ships, or ocean waves. A nice detail. Thanks for having me, LSHTM!
To donate to LSHTM directly, click here.
To order Retroviral Mugs, click here.
Retroviral is a collection of Fine Bone China mugs for design nerds and science geeks alike. The eyecatching designs riff off unexpected biological motifs: the microscopic structure of virus particles. The collection includes six designs: Measles, Influenza, Smallpox, Rabies, Herpes and HIV. Retroviral is an artist’s spin on scientific information, and exists at the meeting point between design and science communication.
Retroviral is live on Kickstarter until April 3rd. The more pledges we receive, the more mugs we will be able to make… and the more we can then donate to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
If you miss the Kickstarter deadline, fear not! The mugs will be available for online pre-order on Etsy and Folksy. Thank you!
Did you know that 5 pence from every 
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