Docubyte, led by James Ball, has created ten new images by transforming 1950s historic computers into a colourful, flat and completely new medium. This colourful series of ten historic computers, created in collaboration between Docubyte and retouching studio, INK documents the beginning of our computing history.

Called Guide To Computing, new images featuring such famous machines as the IBM 1401, Alan Turing’s Pilot ACE, the Control Data 6600, the Meda 42TA, the IBM 729 showcases a minimalist approach to design that precedes even Apple’s contemporary motifs.

IBM 729, James Ball, ‘Guide to Computing’ (2016)

What’s more, the combination of photography and retouching techniques has resulted in something wholly unique: the ageing historical objects as photographed, have been ‘digitally restored’ and returned to their original form. As a number of these computers predate modern colour photography, Guide to Computing therefore showcases them in a never before seen context.

James Ball embeds historic computers into a colourful and flat background while painting some of them to increase the depth, newness and identity. All vintage computers in the images are rebranded with a plain but vivid, fashionable, modern environment, which gains a completely 'digital enhancement' in a unique appearance. 

Endim 2000, James Ball, ‘Guide to Computing’ (2016)

Pilot ACE, 1950s, from James Ball’s ‘Guide to Computing’ (2016)

EAI pace (TR 48), James Ball, ‘Guide to Computing’ (2016)

Meda 42TA, 1970s, James Ball, ‘Guide to Computing’ (2016)

IBM 1401, James Ball, ‘Guide to Computing’ (2016)

HDR 75, James Ball, ‘Guide to Computing’ (2016)

Harwell Dekatron, James Ball, ‘Guide to Computing’ (2016)

ENDIM 2000, James Ball, ‘Guide to Computing’ (2016)

All images courtesy of Docubyte/INK 

Top image: Pilot ACE, 1950s, from James Ball’s ‘Guide to Computing’ (2016)

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