Computer now a museum exhibit

By Gillian Ellison

Last updated 15:54, Wednesday, 07 May 2008

A BBC computer from the mid 1980s has been added to The Beacon’s museum collection.

The donation of a BBC 510 series computer from Mr Clipsham of Gosforth came complete with a monitor, stand, printer, cables, floppy discs and operator manuals.

Mr Clipsham has also donated a mobile phone to the collection, supplying a Phillips Savvy phone, instruction manual, cables and charger.

Beacon manager, Sue Palmer, said: “This is all about contemporary collecting and making sure that in 100 years time when The Beacon wants to display an exhibition on let’s say 20th Century Electronics, the artefacts will be available.

“It’s amazing when you think about how fast technology has moved on. These everyday items are as much about history as pieces from the Prehistoric or Victorian eras.”

The Beacon is also appealing for other electronics to add to the collection including the classic Nokia phone from the late 1990s, a ZX81 computer, a ZX Spectrum computer and an original iPod.