Welcome to the twentieth blog post from the Collection Technicians.
Helen Chadwick was best known for her sculpture and installation works. However this work that we have in the collection titled ‘Anatoli III’ is a print. At first glance it appears to be a landscape built of yellow and brown organic shapes and swirls, however it follows similar patterns and ideas to her work ‘viral landscape’ a group of prints created using images of viral cells in her body. This knowledge of how the pieces were created changes our view, is it still a landscape or is now a scientific finding? This etching shows a big yellow sun, or is it a nucleus, with rocky landscape below. The entire piece is up for interpretation from the viewer, and that’s what I find so interesting about it.
The ‘Anatoli’ prints were requested alongside other artists in 1989 by the Kings Fund Hospital Project to be displayed in hospitals and healthcare settings.
Chadwick’s work often played with perception and meanings, appearing as one thing at first and then opening further conversations. Chadwick exhibited at many notable galleries including the Tate, London and Serpentine. She was one of the first women nominated for the Turner Prize in 1987.
Caring for the Collection is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland.
Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to dedicate time to improve the condition of our artworks currently in our store, so that they will be able to be displayed in health and social care settings across Scotland.
Museum & Galleries Technician Modern Apprenticeship is supported by Museums Galleries Scotland provider of the apprenticeship, mentor and SCQF level 7
17 September 2026 by
Vanessa Paynton