The National Museum of Computing announces auction to raise funds for restoration and refurbishment projects

Today, The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC), an independent charity, has announced its new auction, aimed at raising funds for the museum’s restoration and refurbishment projects.

The auction, which is live online now, offers a wide range of prizes, from experiences to one-of-a-kind computing history themed gifts. Bidders have the opportunity to win experiences such as becoming a Bombe operator for the day, a one-hour passenger flight in a 1953 ex RAF Chipmunk aircraft, a weekend away for two in Cornwall and an escape room experience at the museum. Alongside these experiences, bidders also have the opportunity to win a signed boxed Colossus Valve and Colossus Paper Tape, Exclusive Alan Turing prototype pen - Conway Stewart, and a Raspberry Pi 400 signed by inventor Eben Upton, among other unique experiences and gifts.

The museum currently houses the world’s largest collection of historic computers, from retro gaming kits to iconic pieces of technology such as the BBC Micro. Alongside these smaller items, the museum also houses and maintains larger pieces of technology like the WITCH computer. With limited space due to the size of the collection, TNMOC requires purpose-built storage facilities for the restoration of these machines to continue to refresh galleries.

The museum’s aim is to conserve, educate & engage, and it has huge ambitions for  restoration projects and gallery refurbishments. Having already completed phase one of the restoration project space, the museum is looking to build on this success to further develop the restoration facility and to restore and maintain new exhibits that it plans to have displayed within the museum galleries that will be refurbished. TNMOC also aims for its volunteers to be able to better work together on the repair and maintenance of the museum’s smaller machines, collections, and artefacts. 

The upgraded restoration space will simultaneously provide an ideal environment for hands-on events. TNMOC plans to use the facility for repair workshops, opportunities to see restoration in progress and for groups, such as the museum’s autism in the workplace trainees, to gain hands-on experience and basic technical restoration skills under the expert mentorship of the museum’s volunteers. Supporting us will enable us to continue to continue this vital work and create new galleries and exhibits for all to explore and enjoy.

Jacqui Garrad, Museum Director commented “Displaying our collection of historic computers and technology requires a lot of work behind the scenes, especially to keep the machines in full working order. We currently have restoration projects ongoing for our Argus 500 and Spectrum & Atari games kits. Our auction will not only allow us to meet this demand but will expand the incredible range of offerings and exhibits the museum already possesses.”

TNMOC’s online auction is live now. Take a look at the full prize list and start bidding here: Auction site

Alternatively you can make a donation here: Donation for restoration Projects