I've always thought symmetry was heart-breaking and snowflake patterns marvellous in their variety - and their temporary existence. Bentley, the New England farmer who photographed so many snow crystals over 40 years (see earlier blog post snowflake(1)) lamented that each was unique and so beautiful, but gone forever in seconds or less.
Yesterday some of Bentley's original photos - plates I guess - were at auction and this was reported in many newspapers. Go look