This image is released under a 
Working blackboard of Stephen Hawking's office
A green blackboard
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Blackboards on which people write by hand with chalk continue to be among the central tools of theoretical physicists in the 21st century. They are the central 'technology' for collective work done in-person, and many aspects of mathematical physics are only effectively conveyed writing on a chalkboard with continuous feedback and intervention from all participants.
Beyond a communication tool, in Stephen's circles of mathematicians and theoretical physicists, blackboards also have an iconic, identity-building status, and for example many public spaces of Hawking's Centre for Mathematical Sciences include blackboards available for casual use; in addition to the ones inside his office, several blackboards line the corridors leading to Stephen's office, and the department's common room, where daily tea-times are held, has black walls meant to be written on with chalk.
- Measurements:
-
overall: 1303 mm x 2102 mm x 90 mm, 30 kg
- Materials:
- wood (unidentified) , metal (unknown) and chalk
- Object Number:
- 2021-561/665/1
- type:
- blackboard
- Image ©
- The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
