WCIT HISTORY & ARCHIVES
MONITOR
WCIT Celebrating the Early Years of Computing
B
y arrangement with our eminent Liveryman, Joan
Smith, Past Archivist and now Honorary Historian to
the Company (having written its history from 19862005, and also that of the Hall, both of which are now available
from the Hall), a formal presentation was made by one of the
pioneers of the computing industry, Professor DBG (Dai)
Edwards. He, it was, who worked at Manchester University,
first on the renowned Baby range of universal digital
computers, then was responsible for key inventions for the
Atlas (described as the world’s first “supercomputer” which
included virtual memory – then known as “one level storage”)
among other innovations, and worked in a team responsible for
building the celebrated MU5 computer. He was selected as a
pioneer for the British Library series “An Oral History of
British Science” and made an audio-recording for its
permanent archive, something our Past Master Dame Stephanie
Shirley has also done for the benefit of posterity.
From Left: Past Master David Morriss; Simon Lavington; Deputy Master
Michael Webster; Dai Edwards; Chris Burton; Honorary Historian Joan
Smith, Honorary Archivist John Poulter, Past Master John Carrington
Simon Lavington (who worked closely with Dai at various
stages of his career, himself the author of several books on the
The presentation, made on 28 May 2014, involved the then
history of computing), Chris Burton of the Computer
Master Michael Webster receiving a copy of Joan Smith’s book Conservation Society and Joan Smith amongst others.
on Professor Dai Edwards entitled “David BG Edwards and
His Family” in addition to the transcript of his British Library After a short video was shown concerning the reconstruction of
publication, and Dai lodging them in the WCIT book collection the Baby computer by Chris Burton, those present were
as part of “The Edwards Collection” comprising his unique
captivated by a discussion about the early days of computing as
collection of working drawings and papers applicable to his
seen through the eyes of those involved in the Manchester
breakthrough inventions whilst at Manchester University. Dai, University experience. This included the involvement Dai had
on this memorable occasion, was accompanied by Professor
later with those pioneers of Bletchley Park during World War
II, Alan Turing and Tommy Flowers (who built Colossus
there).
Contributed by Deputy Master Michael Webster &
Liveryman Joan Smith, Honorary WCIT Historian
An Assistant Honorary Historian is sought to continue
documenting the history of WCIT in a similar way to that
already employed. If you feel you have the skills to take on this
rewarding task then you are invited to contact the Clerk at
[email protected].
Archivists Corner: Data Protection
L
ike the majority of London livery companies, The
Worshipful Company of Information Technologists
maintains an archive of its manifold activities, for the
benefit of researchers and future historians. Thus, in the main,
the archive contains minutes of the Company’s meetings,
reports, records of events, speeches, publications and press
releases, etc. Occasionally, where it would be significant in
terms of the Company’s history, the archive may also contain
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records of a personal or private nature.
In accordance with its approved Data Protection Policy, this is
to advise its members that the Company will ensure that such
records will not be made available for access by any member
of the public or unauthorised individuals during the life of the
persons concerned except with the explicit permission of the
Clerk, who is the Data Controller for the Company.