Swine flu sculpture unveiled in Britain

London – A British museum has acquired an unusual new sculpture — of the virus which causes swine flu

The Wellcome Collection in London will display the glass sculpture by Luke Jerram from September 25 until October 18.

The work offers "a point of departure to explore the impact such viruses have had on populations and to find out more about the global research to tackle them," said Clare Matterson, the Wellcome Collection’s director of medicine, society and history.

Britain has been the worst-hit country in Europe by the A(H1N1) virus.

A total of 79 people with swine flu have died here and the number of new cases started rising again this week — to an estimated 5,000 — as many children returned to school after summer holidays.

Sculptor Jerram’s previous work has included leaving pianos on streets around London for passers-by to play.

AFP/Expatica