Digital Britain - The Road from Reading Exhibition

The DEC UK 60th Anniversary Exhibition opened on the 20th July and will be running until 28 February 2025. This is a captivating installation marking the inception of Digital Equipment Corp's (DEC) presence in the United Kingdom, starting with the historic establishment of its first offices in Reading in 1964.

In collaboration with Reading Museum, DEXODUS, and DECUS, this joint project funded by DECUS and NHLF presents a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of DEC UK. Featuring DEC systems from our reserve collection, artifacts, and memorabilia generously loaned or donated by members of the DEXODUS and DEC community, this exhibition offers an immersive exploration of the company's impact on the tech landscape.

Discover interactive experiences and compelling storytelling, designed to bring the DEC UK story to life. We aim to highlight the achievements of DEC and the individuals involved, while showcasing the lasting legacy of DEC UK's profound influence on British technology. Through this showcase, we invite visitors to consider DEC within the broader context of technological innovation and inspire younger generations to pursue careers in tech..

“It was like getting a job with Google, Apple or Microsoft.” 

Richard Briggs, former DEC customer recruited by DEC, DEC UK 60th anniversary oral history interview.

“That interaction… changed the course of my life and eventually led to the creation of the Raspberry Pi.” 

Pete Lomas, co-founder Raspberry Pi, DEC UK 60th anniversary oral history interview.

Digital Equipment Corporation at its peak was the world’s second largest computer company. The UK played a pivotal role in helping Digital, known as DEC, attain that height -  but it all began in a small office with two staff in a back street of Reading, Berkshire.

Britain was DEC’s most successful national subsidiary. This success helped transform the town: DEC became its single biggest employer and secured Reading’s future at the heart of Silicon Thames Valley. DEC’s influence extended far beyond Reading. From factories to high-street business brands to Britain’s early internet - DEC technologies helped take Britain digital.

DEC changed individual lives and personal destinies. Before the 1980s’ PC revolution, hands-on experience of DEC computers inspired a generation of students such as Raspberry Pi co-founder Pete Lomas. Those who worked for DEC had unprecedented opportunities at a company that industrialised efforts to harness individual potential and took aim at the glass ceiling.

On the 60th anniversary of that first office, Digital Britain: the Road from Reading celebrates the people and places that made DEC UK and the company that set Britain on its digital journey.

Explore our collection of oral histories, capturing the experiences and insights of former DEC UK employees and customers. These interviews serve as a primary source of information, documenting the legacy of DEC in the UK. Click on the headshot of the person you're interested in to access their full interview and learn more about their story.

Relive the Gallery Opening Event

About our Partners 

This project would not be possible without support from Reading Museum and financial support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, complimented by generous donations from DECUS and RGSpaces.