From our far-flung correspondent

Luigi is trapped in the ultimate capitalist nightmare, unable to afford both vodka and internet access. But he managed to smuggle out a couple of images from a meeting in St Petersburg.

Vavilov bust.jpg

N.I. Vavilov looks down on the assembled conference attendees. I’m not sure I’d be able to concentrate under those circumstances.

Vavilov desk.jpg

And the Great Man’s desk. Would it have been too much to have sat in his chair?