The Artistry of Innovation: WARF Patent Drawings Through Time

press release:

Science and art cross paths in a bold new exhibit featuring contemporary and vintage patent drawings, courtesy of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF).

Since its founding, WARF has helped generations of UW–Madison inventors patent their discoveries and advance them to the marketplace. These patents, and hundreds like them, contain drawings to illustrate the new technology.

Beyond their utilitarian purpose, many patent drawings possess true aesthetic merit. Some are stunning, hand-made by talented draftsmen who couple form with function. Other figures are abstract and thought provoking. All inspire.

The new exhibit showcases some of the gems in WARF’s patent “collection” and presents a breathtaking array of disciplines, from Cold War engineering to a stem cell revolution. In one sweep, gallery visitors will be exposed to nearly nine decades of genius.

Presented in partnership with the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD).

September 30 – November 14, Union South Gallery 1308, 1308 W. Dayton St. Reception 5-7 pm, 9/30.