Telecoms Collection

Advert promoting the Post Office Telephone Service. Date: 1932

An engraving depicting a British army telegraph tent during the war in Egypt, 19th century
5310696 An engraving depicting a British army telegraph tent during the war in Egypt, 19th century; (add.info.: Date: 1882); Universal History Archive/UIG

An engraving depicting an Ader-Bell telephone, used in France. B, B were receivers, and behind the pane, A
5311634 An engraving depicting an Ader-Bell telephone, used in France. B, B were receivers, and behind the pane, A, was a microphone

An engraving depicting a detailed view of the receiver of Ader's telephone, 19th century
5311636 An engraving depicting a detailed view of the receiver of Ader's telephone, 19th century; (add.info.: Date: 1890); Universal History Archive/UIG

Berliner's central commutator
5310262 Berliner's central commutator; (add.info.: Engraving depicting Berliner's central commutator, based on Schweizer's apparatus, used to serve 25 telephone subscribers)

Engraving depicting Alan Archibald Campbell-Swinton's telephone
5308535 Engraving depicting Alan Archibald Campbell-Swinton's telephone; (add.info.: Engraving depicting Alan Archibald Campbell-Swinton's telephone)

An engraving depicting a detailed view of the transmitter of Ader's telephone, 19th century
5311635 An engraving depicting a detailed view of the transmitter of Ader's telephone, 19th century; (add.info.: Date: 1890); Universal History Archive/UIG

Global Communications, 1945 (screen print)
2630022 Global Communications, 1945 (screen print) by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Telephone, telegraph, and television operators in front of a world map)

Samuel Finley Breese Morse at the Academy of Design in New York, 1841 (b / w photo)
STC355113 Samuel Finley Breese Morse at the Academy of Design in New York, 1841 (b/w photo) by Brady, Mathew (1823-96) & studio; Private Collection; (add.info.: Samuel Morse (1791-1872)

Ericsson Telephone, 1890 (mixed media)
XCF290941 Ericsson Telephone, 1890 (mixed media) by Ericsson, Lars Magnus (1846-1926); Private Collection; Swedish, out of copyright

Radio Waves, Picture Signals and Radar Communications, 1948 (colour litho)
2630068 Radio Waves, Picture Signals and Radar Communications, 1948 (colour litho) by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; Photo eGraphicaArtis; American, out of copyright

Early Satellites and Rockets, 1948 (colour litho)
2630069 Early Satellites and Rockets, 1948 (colour litho) by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; Photo eGraphicaArtis; American, out of copyright

Telephone box, Grand Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex, England
Communications, Telecoms, British Red Telephone box

Communications, Telephone, Mobile, Man using Apple iPhone apps

Ireland, , Dublin
Communications, Telephone, Mobile, Man using Apple iPhone apps

Space communications equipment in museum
Historic space communications equipment in Baikonur space museum, Kazakhstan

Customer in a mobile phone shop C018 / 2309
Shopping. A customer looking at mobile phones in a shop. Photographed in Moscow in 2012

Cordless telephone

Mobile phone exchange. Technicians working in a mobile telephone network exchange centre

Telephone pole and wires
Telephone pole with cut wires

Concealed mobile phone mast. Camouflaged mobile phone mast on a brick chimney

Rotary-dial telephone
Plastic rotary-dial telephone photographed at Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, Pontiac, Illinois

Rotary-dial telephone with coinbox
Historic Bell System rotary-dial public telephone with coinbox, photographed at Route 66 Car Club museum in St Clair, Missouri

Satellite communications antenna
Satellite communications and telemetry antenna, with the Sun behind the feed structure. These dish-shaped objects are microwave

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"Telecoms: Connecting the Past, Present, and Future" Step back in time to 1932 with an advert promoting the Post Office Telephone Service. As technology advanced, so did global communications in 1945 with a screen print titled "Global Communications. " It was a pivotal moment when people realized that distance was no longer a barrier. In 1841, Samuel Finley Breese Morse showcased his groundbreaking invention at the Academy of Design in New York. This black and white photo captures the essence of Morse's revolutionary telegraph system that paved the way for modern telecommunications. Fast forward to 1890, where Ericsson Telephone introduced their mixed media creation. The telephone became more accessible to households worldwide, transforming communication forever. The year 1948 witnessed another leap forward as color litho depicted "Radio Waves, Picture Signals and Radar Communications. " These advancements opened up new possibilities for transmitting information across vast distances. Even amidst chaos like the aftermath of Galveston Storm in 1900, telephone companies played a crucial role. A poignant black and white photo shows a call boy diligently working to restore connections during times of crisis. Space exploration took center stage in 1948 with early satellites and rockets launching into orbit. Color litho captured this significant milestone as humanity reached beyond our planet's boundaries for improved telecommunications capabilities. Closer to home is an iconic image of a red telephone box on Grand Parade in Eastbourne, East Sussex, England. Symbolizing convenience and connectivity throughout communities worldwide. From Dublin to every corner of Ireland came mobile communications - bridging gaps between cities and connecting individuals across vast landscapes. Today we stand at the forefront evolution - witnessing seamless communication through various mediums such as landlines or mobile devices. They have become an integral part of our daily lives; they connect us globally while keeping us rooted locally. As we reflect on these historical moments within telecoms history, we can appreciate how far we've come.