Talks and shows

Retinex Theory: Understanding colour perception

You won't believe your eyes as Innovator in Residence David Ricketts returns to present a reimagining of Edwin Land's landmark 1973 Discourse.

A colourful eye
geralt via Pixabay

Join us for a fascinating journey into the science of sight as we explore Edwin Land's revolutionary Retinex Theory - a bold reimagining of how we perceive colour. Best known as the inventor of the Polaroid instant camera, Land was also a visionary in colour science, challenging the prevailing beliefs of his time.

In November 1973, Land presented a Friday Evening Discourse at the Ri, where he unveiled the core ideas of Retinex Theory. Through striking visual experiments, including his iconic “Mondrian” displays, Land showed that our brains play a vital role in maintaining colour constancy - allowing us to perceive colour even when classical theory says we shouldn’t.

In this talk, David Ricketts will re-envision Land’s 1973 talk, with never before seen demonstrations uncovering how we perceive and see colour. David will show how our brains work and how the colour illusions we see work – and of course, the now famous dress illusion. This talk will be entirely demonstration based – come and see colour in an entirely new way.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About David Ricketts

David Ricketts, is the Innovator in Residence at the Ri, a fellow at Harvard, and a professor of electrical engineering. His work on innovative science communication and science demonstration has been showcased in multiple Ri talks. His demonstration only based approach brings the history and amazement of Faraday’s approach to teaching science.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Event terms and conditions