Members Event: Pyrotechnics with Matthew Tosh

Yesterday we had expert pyrotechnician Matthew Tosh demonstrating and discussing the art and chemistry of making fireworks displays. The audience experienced the sights, sounds, smell and tastes of a live firework demonstration - flashes, bangs, pops, fizzing, smoking, roaring and glowing colours - while Matthew talked about the chemistry and physics underpinning the range of visual, aural and olfactory effects, as well as the technology, engineering, maths and choreography used to create these enthralling displays. Matthew has been working in pyrotechnics for over seven years and his performance had the audience on the edge their seats, especially the front row.

This demonstration was part of a larger Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry meeting, entitled 'Making Chemistry: History, Materials, and Practices'. The full programme involved a discussion of the history of chemistry involved in the making of fireworks, firefighting devices and domestic cleaning products. For more information about the Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry visit their website here www.ambix.org/

Done