It’s because of mathematicians that we have computers today. The objects in this image bank showcase the tools, people and challenges behind the development of computers.

Computing is one of the biggest technological innovations of the past century.
‘Computer’ used to refer to a person who did calculations by hand. The desire to do larger calculations faster motivated the development of electronic devices to process information, paving the way for today’s computers.

The mathematical skills of problem-solving, logical reasoning and creativity pushed these innovators to see beyond what was currently possible.
Curriculum links
Downloadable resources
Maths and Computing – Image Bank (PDF Document)
Developed with the support of the Science Museum Group Academy’s Major Partner, MathWorks.