Desktop computer from Stephen Hawking's office

Made:: Republic of Ireland

maker:: Dell Computer Corporation

Desktop computer from Stephen Hawking's office

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Dell desktop computer set up, with accessories.

Stephen Hawking's desk was standard-issue Cambridge University furniture, and his desktop computer was also mostly standard. This is in stark contrast with his wheelchair-mounted systems. In fact, Hawking largely used his wheelchair computers even when in his office. The desktop computer was more often operated by his staff. Among the unavoidable advantages of the desktop computer were its larger screens (including a sophisticated curved one) and advanced audio. These were preferred for watching and editing media, and also providing a higher-quality reproduction of his voice.

At the centre of the office is Hawking’s desk with a desktop computer, behind which there is space for him and his wheelchair, including all mobile computers, screens and custom equipment. The desk and his wheelchair were oriented so that Hawking could see incoming visitors, and the working blackboard. When working with academic colleagues, these often sat by Hawking’s right side, sharing the view of his screens and blackboard behind.

Details

Category:: Stephen Hawking Office

Collection:: Stephen Hawking’s Office

Object Number:: 2021-561/604

Materials:: plastic (unidentified), metal (unknown), steel (metal), glass, cardboard, paper (fibre product), polystyrene and textile

type:: computer

credit:: Accepted in lieu of Inheritance Tax by H M Government from the Estate of Stephen Hawking and allocated to the Science Museum, 2021

Cite this page

Rights

We encourage the use and reuse of our collection data.

Data in the title, made, maker and details fields are released under Creative Commons Zero . Descriptions and all other text content are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence

Using our data

Download

Download catalogue entry as json

Download manifest IIIF

Our records are constantly being enhanced and improved, but please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information shown on this website.

Parts

Dell desktop computer with LAN cable

Measurements:: overall: 415 mm x 190 mm x 440 mm, 20 kg

Materials:: plastic (unidentified) and metal (unknown)

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/1

type:: computer

Image ©: The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Keyboard from Dell desktop computer

Measurements:: overall: 50 mm x 445 mm x 170 mm, .61 kg

Materials:: metal (unknown) and plastic (unidentified)

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/2

type:: keyboard

Image ©: The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Desktop monitor small. From proper right side of desk

Measurements:: overall: 327 mm x 550 mm x 44 mm, 2.97 kg

Materials:: metal (unknown) and plastic (unidentified)

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/3

type:: monitor

Image ©: The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Monitor arm from small monitor on proper right side of desk

Measurements:: overall: 394 mm x 340 mm x 115 mm, 1.855 kg

Materials:: plastic (unidentified) and steel (metal)

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/4

type:: monitor

Image ©: The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Curved computer monitor in box with screws

Curved computer monitor in box with screws.

Measurements:: overall: 720 mm x 913 mm x 295 mm,

Materials:: plastic (unidentified) , metal (unknown) , glass , cardboard , polystyrene and paper (fibre product)

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/5

type:: monitor

Curved computer monitor with sound bar attached

Measurements:: overall: 450 mm x 813 mm x 100 mm, 8 kg

Materials:: metal (unknown) , plastic (unidentified) and glass

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/5/1

type:: monitor

Image ©: The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Part of:: 2021-561/604/5

Metal and plastic screw for HP Envy 34inch curved display monitor

Metal and plastic screw for HP Envy 34inch curved display monitor, made in China by Sony, 2017.

Measurements:: overall: 26 mm 15 mm, .005 kg

Materials:: metal (unknown) and plastic (unidentified)

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/5/2

type:: screw

Image ©: The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Part of:: 2021-561/604/5

Metal and plastic screw for HP Envy 34inch curved display monitor

Metal and plastic screw for HP Envy 34inch curved display monitor, made in China by Sony, 2017.

Measurements:: overall: 26 mm 15 mm, .005 kg

Materials:: metal (unknown) and plastic (unidentified)

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/5/3

type:: screw

Image ©: The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Part of:: 2021-561/604/5

Metal and plastic screw for HP Envy 34inch curved display monitor

Metal and plastic screw for HP Envy 34inch curved display monitor, made in China by Sony, 2017.

Measurements:: overall: 26 mm 15 mm, .005 kg

Materials:: metal (unknown) and plastic (unidentified)

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/5/4

type:: screw

Image ©: The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Part of:: 2021-561/604/5

Metal and plastic screw for HP Envy 34inch curved display monitor

Metal and plastic screw for HP Envy 34inch curved display monitor, made in China by Sony, 2017.

Measurements:: overall: 26 mm 15 mm, .005 kg

Materials:: metal (unknown) and plastic (unidentified)

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/5/5

type:: screw

Part of:: 2021-561/604/5

Original box and packaging for HP Envy 34inch curved display monitor

Original box and packaging for HP Envy 34inch curved display monitor, made in China by Sony, 2017.

Measurements:: overall: 720 mm x 913 mm x 295 mm, 2.805 kg

Materials:: cardboard , polystyrene , plastic (unidentified) and paper (fibre product)

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/5/6

type:: box - container and packaging

Part of:: 2021-561/604/5

Monitor stand that screws into desk to hold up large curved monitor on desk

Measurements:: overall: 1400 mm x 118 mm x 325 mm, 2.165 kg

Materials:: metal (unknown) and plastic (unidentified)

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/6

type:: monitor

Clamp for monitor stand

Clamp for monitor stand, by Ergotron, made in China.

Measurements:: overall: 305 mm x 159 mm x 113 mm, 1.42 kg

Materials:: metal (unknown) and plastic (unidentified)

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/7

type:: clamp

Monitor stand

Monitor stand.

Measurements:: overall: 168 mm x 410 mm x 194 mm, 3.49 kg

Materials:: metal (unknown) and plastic (unidentified)

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/8

type:: stand - support furniture

Monitor stand

Monitor stand.

Measurements:: overall: 168 mm x 410 mm x 194 mm, 3.49 kg

Materials:: metal (unknown) and plastic (unidentified)

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/9

type:: stand - support furniture

Box for Ergotron mounts (JW 12/10/2019 #4)

Box for Ergotron mounts (JW 12/10/2019 #4).

Materials:: cardboard , polystyrene , plastic (unidentified) and metal (unknown)

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/10

type:: box - container

Desktop computer speakers

Measurements:: overall: 210 mm x 440 mm x 270 mm, 1.025 kg

Materials:: textile , metal (unknown) and plastic (unidentified)

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/11

type:: loudspeakers

Plug (adapted) for speakers from computer equipment box. Made by Sunpower

Plug (adapted) for speakers from computer equipment box. Made by Sunpower, Input 230V AC. Output variable: 3,4.5,6,7.5,9,12. This one has been set at 12 Volts.

Measurements:: overall: 170 mm x 100 mm x 70 mm, .165 kg

Materials:: metal (unknown) and plastic (unidentified)

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/12

type:: plug

Sound research equipment

Sound research equipment.

Materials:: plastic (unidentified) , metal (unknown) and textile

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/13

type:: electronics

Sound research box attached underneath desk

Measurements:: overall: 64 mm x 170 mm x 203 mm, .805 kg

Materials:: plastic (unidentified) , metal (unknown) and textile

Object Number:: 2021-561/604/13/1

type:: electronics

Part of:: 2021-561/604/13

Sound Research power source

Sound Research power source, labelled Smart Amp 24v. made by Lite-On Technology Corporation. Back surface covered in velcro for attaching to desk or wheelchair.