The Elliptical Switchback

Passing thru Haggerston Overground station, spotted this lovely mural that appealed to my scientific background, and at 10m x 4m it's no small work.

The Elliptical Switchback (2010), by artist Tod Hanson, takes its inspiration from the work of Edmond Halley, the 17th century astronomer. Best known for predicting the return of the eponymous comet, Halley also made extensive studies to explain Earth's magnetic anomalies. One theory held that the Earth was in fact hollow and composed of further concentric rotating spheres, each with their own atmosphere and magnetic pole.

Hanson's design creates a series of worlds within worlds through c clever use of trompe l'oeil. The compass needle recalls the north.south orientation of the station's track and the elliptical orbit of Halley's comet acts to unify and animate the work.