Secret world of teeth

Artist Gina Czarnecki has created a huge translucent ‘fairy palace’ from clear crystal-resin. The art-science piece will grow over time to resemble a coral reef or stalagmite-like structure as thousands of milk teeth, donated by children across the continent, are added. Milk teeth are the first set of teeth that are lost naturally, usually around the age of seven.

Alongside ‘palaces’, Centre of the Cell will run a special summer programme from 13 to 31 August of pod shows and a brand new workshop called the secret world of teeth. The family workshop explores why we have so many different teeth, why they sometimes fall out and why scientists are so interested in milk teeth.

Centre of the Cell – part of the Blizard building at QM’s Whitechapel campus – will unveil ‘palaces’ at a launch event on August 23 featuring a talk by Czarnecki. The structure, which was previously held at London’s Science Museum, will be on display at the site throughout the summer. As it takes shape, ‘palaces’ will be exhibited at other leading arts and science venues in the UK, before moving on to Europe.