Double Dutch Delft Blue DNA
Designed by Chris & Xand van Tulleken, with thanks to Anthony van Tulleken
Polyester resin and glass fibre reinforcement with acrylic paint and polyurethane lacquer
The sculpture: 80in (203.5cm) high; the plinth 7¾in (20cm) high; overall 88in (223.5cm) high; 26¾in (68cm) wide; 26¾in (68cm) deep
Executed in 2015

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About the artist

Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are identical twins. Chris is an MRC funded scientist studying HIV at University College London and Xand is a senior fellow at Fordham University in New York, where he teaches and researches conflict and humanitarian medicine. Together and separately they present a range of programs across the BBC including Horizon, Trust Me I'm a Doctor and the double BAFTA winning, Operation Ouch. In Double Dutch Delft Blue DNA, the recurrent motifs of Delft tiles reference those of DNA. Chris and Xand's inspiration was drawn from the combination of their family’s DNA, drawing on Dutch and Canadian origins, and the fact that twins have shared genomes.

The Sculptures are a hand painted decorative finish with a tough exterior glaze over the top. However like any decorative painted exterior finish it would need annual maintenance to keep it looking like new. Inside they will last indefinitely but outside they will suffer just like another garden sculpture from the harshness of the seasons. Many previous trail pieces have lived outside but have needed annual repair and as the years pass this starts to become more complex and less satisfactory for the owners. We recommend that for a long and healthy life your sculpture lives indoors.

This lot will be ready for shipment from 15 October 2015. Please note that Christie's is not responsible for shipping this lot and charges will be directly payable to Cancer Research UK's shipping partner, Premier Workplace Services. If you require a quote, please contact Premier Workplace Services or call on +44 (0) 208 976 2101. Alternatively, collection may be arranged from the Premier Workplace Services warehouse at 1 Tudor Gate, 703 Abbey Road, London, NW10 7UW.

For details on private and company bidding registration, tax information (including refunds and exemptions), and CITES lots, please see our FAQs and Conditions of Sale or contact us by email at dna@christies.com or by telephone on +44 (0) 20 7839 9060.

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