Traces of Genius is a project by Stefanie Reichelt.


The aim of this project was to record the ‘traces’ left behind by the scientists of the famous MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (after they moved into new premises) and create a visual ‘memento mori’ for the old LMB building.

The project has three parts:

Book 1: 'Corridors' - Pinhole camera images of the corridors
Book 2: 'Traces' - digital photographs of the human traces and marks in the vacated LMB.
Sound file: 'Sound of the LMB' - recording on soundcloud

The photographs in Book 1: 'Corridors' were taken with a pinhole camera. The images capture the stillness and the emptiness of the building, which was the scientific home to more than 800 scientists. Each floor was photographed from two sides, east and west-facing.

The photographs in Book 2: 'Traces' are digital images of the traces on lab benches, floors and walls, taken in 2013 after the last scientist had left the LMB building.

Books 1 and 2 should be enjoyed while listening to the sound recording of the humming and whistling of air-conditioning and electrical aggregates.

Please participate and send stories of your ‘traces’ including how you left your mark on the LMB.