DNA MODEL

This is one of three models of the DNA double helix currently owned by the Science Museum.

The original model, which contains plates made my Crick and Watson, is currently on display in the Science Museum's Making the Modern World Gallery.

The two other models are replicas currently in storage.

Treatment was required on one of the replicas going into the Science Museum's Medicine Galleries opening in 2019.

BEFORE TREATMENT

The outer skeleton of the model was broken in many pieces and corrosion products were present on the clamps used to hold the model together.

The flat metal sheets, which represent the base pairs, were in the wrong order.

DURING TREATMENT

Research had to be carried out in order to ensure the model would be assembled in the correct order and shape. The model on display and the third model in storage were used as comparisons.

The corrosion products were mechanically removed using a glass bristle brush and scalpel.

The broken outer skeleton structure had to be re-assembled and was adhered together using Araldite 20:20.

AFTER TREATMENT

The model was assembled back together, Araldite 20:20 used to adhere the sections and plastazote and cotton tape used to hold the model in place whilst the adhesive cured.

The supports could then be removed for the final reveal.