A Technology History of Dundee
(with a focus on screen, transport and communications)
Dundee, is notable for its contributions to technology and innovation. Over the centuries, Dundee has transformed from a bustling industrial hub to a modern centre for digital excellence. Here are some key milestones.
Early Industrial Era - 19th Century
In the 19th century, Dundee became synonymous with the "three J's": Jute, Jam, and Journalism. The city was a global centre for jute processing, a crucial material for various industries, from textiles to shipbuilding. The jute mills were powered by pioneering steam technology, which marked the beginning of Dundee's industrial age.
Textile Machinery Innovation
Whilst this is not about screen, transport or communications, textile machinery innovation and the wealth generated, set the scene for Dundee as a hub for innovation. The industrial boom in Dundee was closely tied to advancements in textile machinery. The Baxter Brothers, a prominent family in Dundee, were instrumental in bringing new weaving technologies to the city. Their innovations in mechanised looms and spinning techniques greatly enhanced production efficiency and quality, positioning Dundee as a leader in the textile industry.
The Birth of Photolithography at Valentine’s
Photolithography, a process that uses photographic techniques to transfer images onto lithographic printing plates, was a ground-breaking advancement in the 19th century. Valentine’s of Dundee, that designed and manufactured products such as greetings and post cards, was at the forefront of this innovation, leveraging it to enhance the quality and efficiency of their printing processes. Valentine's continued as a world leader into the 20th Century. Even the Walt Disney Corporation came calling to hire experts as photolithography is a key aspect of animation and VFX. Put simply, layers are created with moving or still images and other content. These are then rendered into 'flat' still or moving images that can be viewed, broadcast or projected for public consumption.
Today, photolithography is also a key tool for printing semi-conductors for use in many devices including computers and mobile phones.
Subsea Cables
The development of undersea telegraph cables has significant roots in Dundee, primarily due to the work of Robert Stirling Newall. A test cable was laid across the Tay in 1853 using technology developed in Dundee.
Dundee's 20th Century Contributions
Dundee's Seaplanes: A Unique Chapter in Technology History
Dundee, a city with a rich industrial and technological heritage, has a lesser-known but fascinating chapter in its history involving seaplanes. This blog delves into the intriguing story of Dundee's seaplanes, highlighting the city's contributions to aviation technology and the unique role seaplanes played in its development. Perhaps the most notable seaplane flight from Dundee was a world record attempt in 1938. Imperial Airways decided to challenge the Russian held record of 6,306 miles with a flight from Dundee to Cape Town in South Africa (6,370miles).
Fly me over to more on Seaplanes
Polar Exploration Ship RRS Discovery - Scott and Shackleton
The RRS Discovery, a ship of remarkable historical significance and innovative design, is known for its association with legendary Antarctic explorers, Sir Robert Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton. Built in Dundee and launched in 1901, the ship played a pivotal role in early 20th-century polar exploration.
Thin Flat Screens
Dundee, a city with a storied history of innovation, has made significant contributions to various technological fields, including the development of thin flat screens. The University of Dundee, a key player in this arena, has been at the forefront of research and advancements in this technology. This blog explores the history and impact of thin flat screen technology in Dundee, highlighting the pivotal role played by the University of Dundee.
Radar
Dundee, played a significant role in the development and advancement of radar technology. Research was conducted at rapid pace during World War 2. Watson Wyatt, who sold the idea to the UK Government was from Angus. He relocated the team from the south of England to Dundee for safety reasons. And Dundee is at the forefront of research on 5G communications and drones for civil, defence and offshore services.
NCR in Dundee: ATM Pioneers
Dundee has long been recognized as a hub of innovation, and its contributions to the development of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) stand as a testament to its pioneering spirit. From the early days of cash dispensers to the advanced machines we rely on today, Dundee's technological landscape has significantly shaped the financial world.
DC Thomson: Innovation in Print and Publishing
DC Thomson, a name synonymous with innovation and publishing, has a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the city of Dundee. Founded in 1905, this family-owned media company has consistently pushed the boundaries of publishing, contributing significantly to the cultural and economic landscape of Dundee.
The Rise of Digital Dundee
The late 20th century saw Dundee pivot towards the digital and gaming industries. The establishment of the University of Abertay Dundee in 1994 marked a significant turning point. Abertay was the first university in the world to offer a degree in Computer Games Technology, fostering a new generation of game developers and digital entrepreneurs.
The Sinclair Spectrum and Timex: A Dundee Success Story
The Sinclair ZX Spectrum, a ground-breaking home computer launched in the early 1980s, owes part of its success to the manufacturing prowess of Timex in Dundee, Scotland. This collaboration not only helped popularise the Spectrum but also left a lasting impact on the local economy and the global tech industry.
The Sinclair ZX Spectrum, launched in 1982, was one of the most popular home computers in the UK and played a pivotal role in the early days of personal computing. Created by Sir Clive Sinclair, it was known for its affordability and ease of use, making it accessible to a wide audience. The Spectrum was a follow-up to the ZX81 and became famous for its rubber keyboard, colorful graphics, and wide range of software, particularly games.
Impact: The Spectrum's success was instrumental in bringing computing into homes and schools across the UK and Europe. It spawned a vibrant software industry, with thousands of games and applications developed for the platform. The Spectrum’s affordability and the wealth of software available made it a beloved machine for a generation of computer enthusiasts.
Timex Dundee
Role in Manufacturing: The Timex Corporation, an American company best known for its watches, played a crucial role in the production of Sinclair computers. Timex had a manufacturing plant in Dundee, Scotland, which became a key site for producing the ZX Spectrum and other Sinclair models. Timex Dundee not only assembled the computers but also produced components, contributing to the cost-effectiveness of the Spectrum.
Timex Variants: Beyond manufacturing the Sinclair Spectrum, Timex also produced its own versions of Sinclair computers under the Timex brand, which were sold in the United States and other international markets. These models included the Timex Sinclair 1000 (based on the ZX81) and the Timex Sinclair 2068 (an enhanced version of the Spectrum). The Dundee plant was central to these operations, making it a critical hub for the global distribution of Sinclair’s computing technology.
Economic Impact on Dundee: The production of Sinclair computers at the Timex plant was significant for Dundee’s economy during the 1980s. The plant employed a large number of workers and contributed to Dundee's reputation as a centre for electronics and manufacturing. However, the eventual decline of Sinclair and the Timex plant’s closure in 1993 marked the end of an era for the city, which had to transition to other industries.
Legacy
Technological Heritage: The partnership between Sinclair and Timex Dundee represents a key chapter in the history of personal computing. The ZX Spectrum, in particular, is remembered as a pioneering machine that inspired many to pursue careers in technology and software development. Dundee's involvement in this technological revolution is a point of pride, reflecting the city’s historical contribution to global innovation.
Cultural Impact: The ZX Spectrum remains a cultural icon, particularly in the UK, where it is fondly remembered by those who grew up with it. Dundee’s role in manufacturing the Spectrum adds a layer of local historical significance to this broader cultural legacy.
Overall, the Sinclair ZX Spectrum and Timex Dundee are intertwined in the story of early personal computing, with the Dundee plant playing a crucial role in bringing affordable home computers to the masses and helping to ignite a digital revolution.
Grand Theft Auto and the Birth of Rockstar Games
One of Dundee's most famous technological exports is the video game series Grand Theft Auto (GTA). The game's development began in Dundee with DMA Design, a company that later became Rockstar North. The success of GTA has had a lasting impact on the global gaming industry and cemented Dundee's reputation as a hub for creative digital talent.
Dundee holds a special place in the story of Grand Theft Auto (GTA), one of the most successful and influential video game franchises in history. The connection between Dundee and GTA traces back to the early 1990s, when the game was first conceived by a small development team in the city.
Key Points of the Dundee-GTA Story:
Origin in Dundee:
The roots of Grand Theft Auto can be traced back to a small Scottish game development studio called DMA Design, founded in Dundee in 1987 by David Jones. DMA Design initially gained fame with the popular game Lemmings, but it was GTA that would become their most famous creation.
The concept for Grand Theft Auto began in Dundee in the early 1990s. The game was originally titled Race'n'Chase and was intended to be a straightforward cops-and-robbers game. However, during development, the focus shifted to a more open-world experience where players could take on the role of a criminal in a sprawling city.
Development and Release
The first Grand Theft Auto was released in 1997. It featured a top-down perspective and allowed players to explore a large, open-world city, engage in various criminal activities, and interact with a variety of characters. The game was ground-breaking for its time, offering unprecedented freedom and a sense of immersion in a living, breathing urban environment.
Although the first GTA game was relatively simple compared to later entries in the series, it laid the foundation for what would become a global phenomenon.
Impact and Legacy
The success of the original GTA led to the development of sequels, with each new instalment pushing the boundaries of open-world gameplay, storytelling, and technological innovation. GTA III, released in 2001, revolutionized the gaming industry by introducing a fully 3D open-world environment and complex narrative structure.
The franchise eventually moved beyond Dundee as DMA Design evolved into Rockstar North, based in Edinburgh, and became part of the global Rockstar Games brand. However, Rockstar North once again has a presence in Dundee after taking over Ruffian Games.
Cultural Significance
The GTA series has become one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time, with each new release garnering massive sales and critical acclaim. The games are known for their satirical take on American culture, their complex narratives, and their vast, immersive worlds.
Dundee's contribution to the creation of GTA is a testament to the city's rich history in video game development. The city has since become known as a hub for digital innovation and creativity, partly due to the success of GTA and the legacy of DMA Design.
Dundee’s Influence in Video Game Development
The GTA story is a cornerstone of Dundee’s reputation as a birthplace of modern video game development. Today, the city continues to be a thriving centre for the gaming industry, with institutions like Abertay University playing a crucial role in nurturing new talent and fostering innovation in game design. The story of GTA serves as an inspiring example of how a small team in a relatively small city can create something that resonates with millions of people around the world.
Dundee's journey from an industrial powerhouse to a digital innovation hub showcases its ability to adapt and evolve with changing technological landscapes. With a strong foundation in education, research, and industry collaboration, Dundee is set to continue its legacy of technological advancements and contribute to the global tech ecosystem.