Take a trip to Adventureland – artwork inspired by mitochondria Published on: 17 June 2016 Art, science and design have come together to create beautiful artworks inspired by Âé¶¹´«Ã½â€™s research into mitochondrial disease. Curious tea party Adventureland, which goes on display in Eldon Garden on Saturday and Sunday, uses images of healthy and unhealthy mitochondria – the batteries of cells – captured with microscopy photography. The pieces are inspired by work created by patients involved in the University’s world-leading research into these diseases. Artist Corinne Lewis-Ward, from Gateshead, was funded by the University’s EngageFMS Team to engage with patients through interactive workshops, and then to create artworks to reflect their understanding of these ‘batteries’ and the cause of their disease. She worked with and other members of the mitochondrial research team. She has created a ‘curious tea party’ featuring a bespoke tea set, covered in real gold, and photo acrylic placemats and small glass sculptures. Pieces from Adventureland Engage new audiences Corrine said: “My challenge for this commission was to produce artwork that explored the work that is being carried out in the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, while also incorporating the impact upon real people's lives. “Sometimes when you’ve got a problem the best thing to do is have a chat and a cup of tea, which is what the patients I spoke to like to do. This inspired me to create Adventureland, which attempts to bring science, art and design together in the form of a curious tea party.” “The work aims to engage new audiences with scientific research, and take what can be intimidating subject matter, into an arena that is accessible and available to the public.” New perspective Mitochondrial disease is an inherited chronic illness that can cause blindness, heart and liver failure, learning disabilities and early death. Experts in Âé¶¹´«Ã½’s world-leading research into mitochondrial disease are working to better understand these diseases and to find a way to prevent the condition being passed from mother to child. They have developed an IVF technique called early pronuclear transfer, a procedure that could play a vital role in preventing it being passed from mother to child. said: “The work the University is carrying out into mitochondrial disease is truly ground breaking. EngageFMS, working in partnership with the Institute for Creative Arts Practice, aims to marry expertise in the creative arts with excellence in medical science and that’s where Corrine’s beautiful work comes in. Her pieces, inspired by patients’ stories, bring a new perspective to this work.” The work will be displayed in Eldon Garden on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June, from 11am until 4pm. Latest News Local knowledge can improve early warnings of glacial lake floods Local knowledge, improved evacuation preparedness and resilient mobile phone-based communication channels can enhance Early Warning Systems to reduce loss of life during glacial lake outburst floods. published on: 3 August 2026 Funding boost moves landmark cancer research centre a step closer A £1.25 million grant from the Wolfson Foundation to Âé¶¹´«Ã½ has brought the Sir Bobby Robson Institute a significant step closer, giving a major boost to its fundraising campaign. published on: 3 August 2026 Statement on potential unauthorised data access Information about a potential unauthorised data access. published on: 30 July 2026 Facts and figures