AN EXHIBITION marking six decades of digital development in Reading is set to open next week.
Reading Museum is set to host the event which will examine the history of digital industries in the town.
In 1964, burgeoning American computer company Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) opened its first office in Castle Street, starting with just two employees.
It grew to employ more than 2,000 people, and played a key part in establishing Reading as a major contributor to tech transformation and digital economy in the UK.
Since the arrival of the DEC in 1964, Reading has evolved into one of the largest tech clusters in the UK, with more than 11K ICT businesses calling the greater Reading area home.
DEC has been recognised as one of the leaders in computing equipment development and manufacture, and by 1988 it had been named the second largest computer company in the world.
DEC was acquired by Compaq in 1998 in what was at that time the largest merger in the history of the computer industry.
Now, funded by a grant of £87,145 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and hosted in partnership with National Museum of Computing, Reading Museum’s ‘DIGITAL Revolution’ exhibition traces the birth of the town’s famous information and communication technology industry.
It includes the DEC talk voice synthesizer famously used by Stephen Hawking whose account was with Reading DEC.
To mark the launch of the exhibition on Monday, March 17, representatives from Reading’s technology sector and Councillors will be joined by special guest 90-year-old John Leng, who was founder of DEC in Reading in 1964.
Mr Leng is travellingfrom the USA to attend the formal opening of the exhibition by Sir John Madejski in the Sir John Madejski Gallery.
The exhibition will feature a collection of rare and vintage computing equipment on loan exclusively to Reading Museum from Bletchley Park, a video wall installation featuring reflections on the growth of Reading’s ICT industry, collections of familiar computing equipment such as the ZX Spectrum, and digital artwork created by emerging Reading fine artist Jessica Brauner.
Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “This exhibition is exceptional, honouring the legacy of DEC and ensuring its impact on Reading’s history is preserved for future generations.
“We’re very pleased DEC UK founder John Leng can join us for the opening too–I’d encourage residents to come along to the Reading DIGITAL Revolution exhibition over the next few months.
“The exhibition shares the town’s untold hi-tech history and explores ideas about how an unfolding digital revolution is influencing Reading’s present and future.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to support this project, which thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, will mean that more people will be able to get involved with, protect, and learn about the exciting heritage right on their doorstep.
“Heritage has a huge role to play in instilling pride in communities and boosting local economies, and this project is a fantastic example of achieving those aims.”
The Reading DIGITAL Revolution exhibition opens to the public Tuesday, March 18 and runs until Christmas Eve.
More information about the exhibition and museum opening times is available via: readingmuseum.org.uk
The museum also welcomes donations to support its work– more information is available via: reading-museum-shop.myshopify.com
