- Reading, once famous for beer, bulbs, and biscuits, is now a hub of ICT innovation, as showcased in the DIGITAL Revolution exhibition at Reading Museum, opening March 18, 2025.
- The transformation began in 1964 when Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), an American computer firm, set up in Reading, eventually merging with Compaq.
- The exhibition features vintage computing artifacts, including the DEC talk voice synthesizer associated with Stephen Hawking, alongside new digital artworks.
- Prominent figures like John Leng and artists Justin Eagleton and Jessica Brauner contribute to the exhibition, reflecting on Reading’s technological past and future.
- With over 11,000 ICT enterprises, Reading thrives as one of the UK’s largest tech hotspots, celebrating ongoing innovation and inspiring future digital pioneers.
- The exhibition runs until December 24, 2025, at Reading Museum, encouraging visitors to explore Reading’s pivotal role in digital evolution.
Once known for its legacy of beer, bulbs, and biscuits, Reading is now scripting an enthralling chronicle in the digital realm. This metamorphosis—from the quaint echoes of its industrial past to the vibrant hum of ICT innovation—is captured in a compelling new exhibition at Reading Museum. Launching on March 18, 2025, the DIGITAL Revolution exhibition offers an immersive dive into the intriguing journey that has transformed this town into a technological powerhouse.
Step back to 1964, where it all began at 11 Castle Street. This unassuming office marked the seed of revolution sown by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), a burgeoning American computer firm. From two enterprising visionaries, DEC burgeoned into a behemoth of over 2,000 employees, catalyzing Reading’s transition from a sleepy town to a burgeoning hub of innovation. By the late 1980s, DEC had etched its name as the second-largest computer titan globally, before being subsumed by Compaq in a historic merger.
In an ode to this legacy, the DIGITAL Revolution exhibition unfurls a tapestry rich with history and innovation. Experience the bygone era firsthand through a rare collection of vintage computing relics—treasures loaned from Bletchley Park’s National Museum of Computing and esteemed private collections. Marvel at the iconic DEC talk voice synthesizer, which resonated with the synthetic yet human-like tones famously used by physicist Stephen Hawking.
Set against the backdrop of a future-forward mural by visionary Justin Eagleton, the exhibition invites visitors to musing on the past while contemplating the technological crescendo shaping Reading’s future. Artist Jessica Brauner’s digital artwork further enlivens the space, portraying Reading’s aspirations in pixels and paint.
John Leng, the venerable founder of DEC’s Reading chapter, graces the exhibition’s launch. His presence doesn’t merely personify history; it bridges the past with the present and future, highlighting the indelible legacy wrought by DEC’s pioneering spirit.
Today, Reading thrives as one of the UK’s largest tech enclaves, home to over 11,000 ICT enterprises. Yet, this exhibition is not just a glimpse into bygone milestones but a celebration of an ongoing journey, inspiring a new generation of digital pioneers.
Adele Barnett-Ward of Reading Borough Council eloquently underscores the exhibition’s significance, expressing hope for visitors to appreciate how a once humdrum town evolved into an epicenter of digital evolution. The tale of Reading is one of continuous transformation—a narrative of the human quest for innovation, where history intertwines seamlessly with emergent technology.
As the DIGITAL Revolution exhibition unfolds until December 24, 2025, it beckons all to venture into Reading Museum; an enclave where nostalgia and future fuse, offering a day of exploration brimming with stories most compellingly untold. This is not just Reading’s story—it’s an open invitation to witness history, celebrate progress, and imagine what comes next amidst the realm of the digital.
Unveiling Reading’s Tech Metamorphosis: From Beer to Bytes
Reading, a town once renowned for its legacy of beer, bulbs, and biscuits, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a hub of digital innovation. This evolution is captivatingly showcased in the upcoming DIGITAL Revolution exhibition at Reading Museum, launching on March 18, 2025. Let’s delve into the story behind Reading’s tech renaissance and explore various facets that make this evolution noteworthy.
A Journey Through Time: DEC’s Pioneering Influence
1. Digital Equipment Corporation’s Impact
Established in 1964 at 11 Castle Street, Reading, DEC was pivotal in transitioning the town into a tech powerhouse. Starting with just two visionaries, the company grew to over 2,000 employees, significantly contributing to the local economy. By the late 1980s, DEC was the second-largest computer company globally, playing a crucial role in developing key computer technologies such as the PDP series.
2. Merger Milestone
DEC’s historic merger with Compaq in 1998 marked an era-defining moment in the tech industry, underscoring the competitive landscape that characterized the late 20th century. This consolidation was part of a larger trend of mergers and acquisitions that have shaped today’s tech giants.
Exhibition Highlights
– Vintage Computing Relics
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore rare computing artifacts loaned from renowned collections like Bletchley Park’s National Museum of Computing. Highlights include the DEC talk voice synthesizer, famously used by Stephen Hawking, showcasing the blend of computing and human communication.
– Artistic Narratives
Experience the intersection of art and technology through muralist Justin Eagleton’s future-forward art and Jessica Brauner’s digital creations, which paint a picture of Reading’s aspirations.
Reading Today and Tomorrow
1. Tech Enclave
Reading is now one of the UK’s largest tech hubs, housing over 11,000 ICT companies. This makes it an epicenter for tech startups and established enterprises alike, fostering a robust environment for innovation and job creation.
2. Inspiring Future Generations
The DIGITAL Revolution exhibition is not just a retrospective look at history but a forward-thinking celebration of ongoing technological progress. Reading’s story inspires a new generation of digital pioneers, underscoring the importance of innovation and adaptation.
Current Trends and Future Insights
– ICT Industry Trends
With the rise of AI, machine learning, and IoT technologies, Reading’s tech scene is poised for further growth. Companies in the area are increasingly investing in cutting-edge technologies, contributing to global tech advancements.
– Sustainability in Tech
As the tech industry grows, so does the focus on sustainable practices. Reading’s companies are increasingly adopting green technologies and energy-efficient solutions, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Quick Tips for Visitors
– Explore Diverse Exhibitions
Schedule more than one visit to fully appreciate the rich tapestry of history and technology.
– Engage With Interactive Displays
Take advantage of interactive exhibits to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of tech.
Conclusion
Reading’s narrative is a testament to the power of innovation and transformation. As you explore the DIGITAL Revolution exhibition, you’re not just witnessing history—you’re part of a continuing journey towards a tech-forward future. For more information on the exhibition and to explore further insights into Reading’s tech evolution, visit Reading Museum.
Prepare to be inspired by Reading’s journey from industrial quaintness to becoming a digital powerhouse. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply curious, this exhibition promises insights into both past triumphs and future possibilities.
