4. Leo Computer

Available for over a year

Aleks Krotoski explores technological innovations and cultural events from the age of communication. The company that brought computers into business was Lyons, known for its cakes and teashops. Aleks tells the story of how this technology transformed office work. One element of the first Lyons Electronic Office, or LEO, computer is on display in the 'Information Age' gallery at London’s Science Museum. This gallery tells the story of the evolution in how we communicate with with each other. The objects in the exhibition represent cultural moments from the last 200 years - not just technological innovations. Aleks discovers how Lyons brought computers to its business and hears from one of the first programmers. With: * Dr Tilly Blyth of the Science Museum, London. * Jessica Bradford of the Science Museum, London. A tea shop manager recalls how LEO changed her working life. Producer: Deborah Cohen First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2014.