The Mobile Phone Museum has launched online, celebrating the history of mobile phones with a collection of 2,100 unique handsets that date as far back as 1984.
Founded by industry veterans Ben Wood and Matt Chatterley, the Mobile Phone Museum began as a personal collection started by Wood more than 25 years ago.
“I’ve been collecting phones for more than 25 years,” Wood said. “Over the last three decades the mobile phone has become part of the fabric of society and the design diversity, from early transportable phones to the latest smartphones with flexible displays, is something to behold.”
The museum includes more than 2,100 devices from more than 200 manufacturers that explore the evolution of mobile phones. Each handset is displayed in high-resolution images.
These come with supporting information, including technical specifications and details about the device’s design, developments and features.
“This all started as a passion project over 25 years ago, so it’s immensely exciting to work with Vodafone to launch the museum and to see so many industry veterans and other friendly faces at the exhibition,” Wood said.
The Mobile Phone Museum is also designed to educate innovators and visitors about the impact of technology and design on culture and communication.
The launch was celebrated with a one-night exhibition in London, co-hosted by five-year sponsor Vodafone. The museum is also supported by technology research firm CCS Insight and mobile technology recovery and distribution experts Genuine Solutions.
Devices dating back to 1984
“No other invention in recent memory has shaped how we live more fundamentally than the mobile phone,” he added. “From mobile payments to citizen journalism, always-on social media and the ability to work anywhere, it’s difficult to overstate the importance of the mobile phone.”
“It’s a privilege to be able to recognise and celebrate the devices and people who have made such a significant contribution to the world, as we preserve that history and make it available to all by launching the Mobile Phone Museum today.”
Images: Mobile Phone Museum
