Cambridge, MA – Harvard’s Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology held a 70th birthday celebration for Bessie and Victoria, the pair of life-sized bronze rhinoceros sculptures by Katherine Lane Weems that flank the entrance to Harvard’s Biological Laboratories. Featured speakers at the celebration included noted biologist E.O. Wilson. The two rhinos were adorned with makeup, jewelry and skirts for the festivities.
The Biological Laboratories were designed by Coolidge Shepley Bulfinch and Abbott in 1931; over 75 years later the building continues to be a central element of Harvard’s biology teaching and research programs.
In addition to sculpting the Labs’ beloved rhinos, Ms Weems also designed the entrance door panels and the zoological friezes that wrap the building.
