LMH alumna and art historian Ruth Millington (2010, MSt History of Art) brings science and art together in a new illustrated guide for children, published by DK on 6 August.
Why did the invention of squeezy paint tubes change the course of art history? What role does mathematics play in the Mona Lisa and the Taj Mahal? These are among the questions explored in The Science of Art, a new book by LMH alumna Ruth Millington.
Written for readers aged seven to nine and illustrated by Rose Blake, the book examines the discoveries, technologies and calculations behind the making and preservation of art. Its four themed chapters take readers from ancient cave paintings to the Sistine Chapel and Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night, showing how science has shaped artistic practice across centuries.
For Ruth, the book grew from a desire to bring together two subjects that are often separated from an early age.
“I remember early on having to choose which path I’d take and specialise in – choosing art,” she said. “However, the two subjects are like great friends who shouldn’t be kept apart. This book demystifies the making, looking at and restoring of art through the fascinating lens of science.”
The idea also has a connection to Ruth’s time at LMH. While studying for her Master’s, she lived in a house with scientists whose conversations, she says, helped to plant the seeds for the book.
Through examples drawn from art history, The Science of Art introduces readers to the tools and inventions that have allowed artists to work in new ways. Canaletto experimented with a camera obscura, while portable paint tubes enabled the Impressionists to leave their studios and paint outdoors. Elsewhere, the book considers technologies ranging from cameras and robots to the dragon kilns used to fire ceramics.
“There’s a lot of discussion about artists and AI at the moment, and this book proves that artists have always used technology,” Ruth said. “It will hopefully start a conversation about how artists can use tools and technology in brilliantly inventive ways, and inspire the next generation of creatives to take those risks.”
Ruth particularly hopes that the book will appeal to children who may not already think of themselves as artists.
“I hope this book will encourage curious children, and particularly those who don’t consider themselves artists, to become more interested in the history of art,” she said. “I also hope it will encourage children to visit museums and galleries to see the works of art which are featured in the book.”
Rose Blake’s illustrations place art history in playful and unexpected settings. Restorers wear superhero capes, painters work with palettes of eggs and Surrealists dream up strange pictures. The illustrated scenes appear alongside reproductions of artworks and objects including Tutankhamun’s death mask and The Arnolfini Portrait.
Ruth is an art historian, writer, broadcaster and critic. Since graduating from LMH, she has worked with organisations including the Ashmolean Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the V&A and the Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art, and contributes regularly to national media. Rose is an award-winning artist and illustrator whose previous books include A History of Pictures for Children and Meet the Artist: David Hockney.
The Science of Art is published in hardback by DK on 6 August 2026. It is available to pre-order online.
