The Mechanics of Genius

On the exhibition's opening day, February 10th, I had the great pleasure of purusing the truly magnificent Leonardo da Vinci: The Mechanics of Genius at the Science Museum, London. A wonderfully expansive, inspiring and exciting selection from da Vinci's enormous collection of scientific and mathematical observations, engineering and mechanical experiments, and seemingly endless inventions and innovations, the exhibition gives tantalising insights into da Vinci's mindset and methodologies. 

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"Although human subtlety conceives various inventions... it will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple or more direct than does nature, because in her inventions nothing is lacking and nothing is superfluous".
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​Leonardo da Vinci, Quaderni d' anatomia


The Mechanics of Genius clearly illustrates how contemporary forays into bio-inspiration "echoes one of Leonardo da Vinci's enlightened ideas, typical of his approach: looking to nature for technical solutions"[1]. Alongside sketches, notes, scale-models, and other workings from da Vinci's many sketchbooks, including Codex Atlanticus and Codex Trivulce, one also finds a collection of exhibits presenting recent biomimetic inventions from around the world. 

Showing until September 4th 2016, and one of the most important da Vinci exhibitions held to date, The Mechanics of Genius is a must-see for anyone with an interest in nature-inspired design. 

[1] Leonardo da Vinci: The Mechanics of Genius brochure, published by the Science Museum.

Find out more and book tickets at:
www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/leonardo