Paintbox TV graphics (2019-05-29) by Ted Humble-SmithMuseum of Engineering Innovation
The winner of the 1988 MacRobert Award: Paintbox TV graphics
The Paintbox computer graphics system and the Harry video editing system were designed to create graphics for television broadcast.
Paintbox consisted of an electronic pen and a touch tablet that could create graphics displayed on the TV screen as they were created.
The artist David Hockney described using Paintbox as ‘like painting with light on glass’.
The Harry system used the same equipment for video editing.
The first technology of its kind, it revolutionised the production of television graphics.
Queen - The miracleMuseum of Engineering Innovation
The cover for The Miracle, rock band Queen's studio album, was created on a Quantel Paintbox in 1989. The striking cover art combined photographs of the faces of the four band members into one morphed image.
Paintbox TV graphics (2019-05-29) by Ted Humble-SmithMuseum of Engineering Innovation
The artist took inspiration from the original screen colours available and created a striking image by throwing red, green and blue paint at a piece of curved plastic representing an old computer screen.
The next slide contains flickering images
Paintbox - MacRobert Award ArtMuseum of Engineering Innovation
Behind the scenes of the Paintbox, symbolising the fluidity of colour
Paintbox TV graphics (2019-05-29) by Ted Humble-SmithMuseum of Engineering Innovation
Quantel Ltd - Winners of the MacRobert Award
Artist Ted Humble-Smith was inspired by Paintbox to mark the 50th Anniversary of the MacRobert Award
50 years of the MacRobert AwardMuseum of Engineering Innovation
MacRobert Award for Engineering Innovation: Fran Scott interviews Ted Humble-SmithMuseum of Engineering Innovation
The artist inspired by engineering
Ted Humble-Smith is a photographer and director who brings a sense of magic to the meticulous conceptual images he creates for the luxury fashion, beauty, jewellery, and business worlds.
Ted Humble-Smith uses his imagination and technical expertise to produce vibrant images that push the boundaries of commercial photography. He talked to engineers involved in MacRobert Award-winning projects to picture the concepts behind the innovations. His images capture the thought process behind the breakthroughs, rather than illustrating the innovations’ technical workings.
QuantelMuseum of Engineering Innovation
From the sketchbook
The creative process of the Paintbox artwork
