To properly experience this exhibition you will need two electronic devices; one to view the web pages and one to access the augmented reality (AR). We recommend opening the web-based exhibition on a laptop or desktop computer and using a smartphone or tablet with Snapchat installed and open to scan and view the interactive portions of the exhibition. To access the AR introduction to the work of artist Laura Mabbutt, please scan the Snapcode below on your chosen smartphone or other electronic device and tap your screen, this will provide an illustrated audio experience of this text.

Laura Mabbutt

For this exhibition, Laura Mabbutt chose to research the Lincoln-born mathematician Charlotte Scott (1858–1931). Charlotte Scott was one of the first British women in history to receive a doctorate degree. She was responsible for the advancement of mathematics in the USA, after becoming the first mathematician and department head at Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania.

Charlotte Scott is an inspirational person in history; she was living and working at a time when women were not seen as equals to men, or even worthy of an education, making her achievements admirable. She was instrumental in the education of women in mathematics and her specialism was geometry, which is reflected in the shapes and patterns in Laura’s work. Laura’s artwork uses symbols and text from Charlotte Scott’s personal and work life and uses them in both the physical objects and the augmented reality (AR) artworks that she has created.

“The more I read about Charlotte Scott’s life, work and personality, the more I respect her. Accounts by those who knew Charlotte, described her as an ‘unprecedented woman’ who ‘shook the calm’ at Cambridge University. She was ‘regarded with awe’ by her students and ‘Chief among her gifts was a very precious one - sympathy.’ All things that satisfy my interest in Craftivism (craft and activism); the combination of gentle protest and making.” - Laura Mabbutt

In 1880, Charlotte Scott was the first woman to take the Tripos Exams in mathematics at Cambridge University. She came eighth of all students taking the exams, but due to the fact she was a woman, her achievement wasn’t acknowledged. At the ceremony, all the students in the audience cheered for her in her absence. At a separate ceremony, Charlotte’s peers presented her with a laurel crown and it’s this crown that crops up in Laura’s work.

Through her work at Bryn Mawr College, Charlotte Scott went on to help nine other women to achieve their doctorates and in 1894 she published a book titled, An Introductory Account of Certain Modern Ideas and Methods in Plane Analytical Geometry and it is this book which has influenced Laura’s work here in the 21st century. Both Laura’s artworks ‘Charlotte’s Book’ and ‘Charlotte’s Vase’ are made of two halves; handmade paper elements which use the diagrams found directly in Charlotte’s book and the AR artwork that spills from them, representing the knowledge and care she shared with her students.

In later life, Charlotte developed a love of gardening and went on to breed a new strain of chrysanthemum flower. For this exhibition Laura researched the meanings of flowers and herbs. Each of Laura’s artworks include elements of handmade paper, embedded with chrysanthemum flower petals which symbolise longevity, fidelity, joy and optimism. ‘Charlotte’s Vase’ is also made of oak, traditionally symbolising strength; another nod to Charlotte Scott’s character.

“I imagine the structure and pattern of the petals on the chrysanthemum would have inspired Charlotte’s mathematical mind, as they have inspired some of the animation patterns in my work.” - Laura Mabbutt

Laura’s creative practice is varied, from artist to exhibition curator, craft maker, project producer and game designer, however, her work is always underpinned by two themes; craft making and the communication of ideas. As a maker, Laura is interested in creating bespoke games and interactive experiences that draw attention to lesser-known subjects, or facts through the appeal of play and tactility of handleable objects or interactive artworks.

 Laura is based in Lincoln and works on projects across the UK and internationally. Between 2018 and 2020 she was an Associate Artist at Mansions of The Future and is a Fellow Member of Design Nation. She is Exhibition Officer for the International Feltmakers Association and co-founded Making Up Your Street as well as Brew Projects.