What’s new?
This page gives notices and pointers to what’s new at the Quekett Microscopical Club, being (roughly) the last six months’ events of the Club, some important forthcoming events, and any other items of interest we can’t find a place for elsewhere…
The Pre-Quekex26 Lecture
Event 21st October 2026. 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. (5:00p.m. UTC) – ZOOM only
” Living Opals: The Beauty of Diatoms in Art” given by Shelly Smith.
Shelly Smith is a scientific artist based in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. She has a deep affection for microscopic algae, particularly diatoms and desmids, and wants everyone to love them as much as she does. Her scientific illustrations draw inspiration from Victorian graphic design, re-imagining decorative motifs and florid designs with microorganisms. Shelly also leads sci-art workshops and participatory projects that encourage people to engage creatively with their local microbiomes.
You can check out her artwork on her website, studiocornix.com or on her Instagram account @studiocornix.
Quekex26 Galleries
Posted 9th October 2026
The Galleries for Quekex26, the Annual Exhibition of Microscopy, are now available.
“Spike Walker At Home”
Posted 19th August 2026
Members will remember Spike Walker, one of the UK’s foremost photomicrographers and microscopy technicians. Many will be proud and glad to have known him as their friend. In an informal interview filmed by Mick Chaplin at Spike’s home in 2006 Keith Brocklehurst talks to Spike about his early years and interest in microscopes, and about how his life in microscopy developed with his career in education and photographic competitions.
The recording is of its time – no 4K, and the sound isn’t great in places, but it is nonetheless a fascinating look at an expert’s way of how Spike worked.
Quekex26
Posted 10th August 2026
Quekex26 is here! The Club’s Annual Exhibition of all things microscopical, in digital and real formats, and made live at the Exhibition at Potters Bar on October 24th.
But it can’t happen without your input, so look at the entry pages for the different categories and submit some of your favourite works. Look first at the introductory page where you will find links to the other areas of the exhibition.
Please note that some of the links remain to be completed – but don’t let this put you off getting things ready!
Good luck!
Advanced Imaging and Microscopy
Posted 29th July 2026
A new website has been included in our list of Members’ websites. Advanced Imaging and Microscopy is an independent microscopy unit which provides opportunities for anyone with an interest in electron microscopy or confocal microscopy to gain access to these powerful microscopes for their own work. Academic researchers, companies and interested amateurs are all welcome.
Run by Quekett member David Furness, the site provides a wealth of superb images illustrating the potential of these advanced microscopes. Best suited for microscopists who have already studies their topic to the limits of their own facilities or instruments, this unit provides access and guidance on the potential for further microscopical investigation and imaging. David Furness is Professor Emeritus at Keele University where he spent much of his career imaging the cochlea and other auditory structures in research into hearing loss.
The Members’ Websites page is a treasure trove of images, hints, outline methods and much more. It’s not visited as often as it deserves, so give it a try – you might be surprised!
The L.V Martin Lecture 2026
Posted 29th June 2026
‘Prototaxites: using microscopy to reveal an extinct branch of complex life’
Given by Dr Laura Cooper, Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Laura Cooper is a research scientist at the University of Edinburgh who led a groundbreaking study on prototaxites, an ancient organism that has puzzled scientists for nearly 170 years. Her research, published in the journal Science, reveals that well-preserved fossils from Aberdeenshire represent a distinct extinct lineage that doesn’t fit into any existing biological kingdom. She recently completed her PhD, with this discovery forming a central part of her doctoral thesis.
Dr Cooper recently did a podcast with Ross Patterson in which she explains some of her work.
Watch a video of Dr Cooper’s Lecture (members only)
WMD videos
Updated 2nd May 2026.
Following a successful World Microscope Day event, the presentation videos are now available to view.