Ulam Spiral - 651
Ulam Spiral 651 is a large-scale visual exploration of number theory, capturing a remarkable layout of primes within a 651 × 651 grid. Each spiral begins with 1 at the centre, expanding outwards in the classic right-up-left-down pattern until every cell up to 423,801 is filled.
Only the 35,684 prime-numbered cells are highlighted, comprising approximately 8.42% of the entire arrangement and culminating with the prime 423,791.
The Ulam spiral itself was first discovered by Stanislaw Ulam — a mathematician renowned for groundbreaking work in fields spanning set theory, ergodic theory, and physical sciences. Ulam’s curiosity led him to sketch numbers in a spiral and notice surprising alignments among primes, revealing visual patterns where perpendicular and diagonal lines seem richer in primes than random distribution might predict. Ulam’s insight seeded new ways of thinking about prime distribution, influencing not only mathematics but computational approaches to number theory.
Prime numbers have long fascinated mathematicians for their unpredictability and role as the “fundamental building blocks” of arithmetic. Visualisation tools like the Ulam spiral bring out subtle, unexpected regularities — lines, clusters, and symmetries—illuminating deeper relationships behind the so-called “periodic table of numbers.” Such imagery can sometimes suggest unexplored territory in number theory, revealing how the apparent randomness of primes gives way to periodic structures and order.
Ulam 651 is presented as a large format, open edition giclée print produced with our fine art printing partner. Using heavyweight 325gsm Hahnemühle Baryta paper, every artwork is rendered with museum-level clarity, archival longevity, and excellent tonal range. The sophisticated gloss and dense black finishes allow the vivid portrait of numerical patterns to stand out in any setting, providing collectors and enthusiasts with an elegant and enduring visualisation.
Mersenne Series
Mersenne takes its name from Marin Mersenne (1588–1648), the French mathematician and polymath celebrated for Mersenne primes—rare, elegant numbers that surface only under exacting conditions. That idea of precision revealing beauty is the guiding principle of this series.
Created at larger scales, the Mersenne prints pursue the hidden geometries of science and mathematics with obsessive clarity. We work at extreme resolutions to capture hairline structures, fine gradients and micro-symmetries that only fully resolve at size.
Many of these designs demand serious computation: custom mathematical code, long iterative renders, and heavy plotting to maintain stability and signal at scale. From there, every image is tuned by hand—line weights, tonal response, local contrast, paper behaviour—before being produced in the UK with our favourite specialist printers on museum-grade stocks.
The result is a body of work that feels precise yet alive: rigorous mathematics translated into prints with depth, tactility and presence. Mersenne celebrates structure made visible—complex ideas, distilled into quietly astonishing objects.
Printing & Materials
Our Mersenne series is produced in collaboration with one of our favourite fine-art printers, using a range of exceptional archival papers chosen to suit each design.
Most works are printed on Hahnemühle Baryta Fine Art, a heavyweight paper renowned for its smooth gloss, tonal richness, and deep, luminous blacks.
Depending on the imagery, other specialist papers may be used to achieve the best possible colour and detail reproduction.
Mersenne prints are available in larger formats than our other series, offering increased scale and visual impact.
Each piece is made to order, printed with museum-grade pigment inks, and inspected by hand before shipping.
Prints are supplied unframed, carefully rolled in acid-free tissue and packed in rigid cardboard tubes for safe transit.
Framing
A wide range of mounting and framing options is available for Mersenne prints, including solid-wood frames, aluminium and Dibond mounting, reverse Perspex, and lightbox presentation.
All framing is carried out to gallery standards using archival materials and UV-protective glazing.
Because of the variety of finishes and formats available, framing is offered on request and quoted individually.
Please contact info@atomicprint.com to discuss specifications, finishes, and pricing.