Home > Arts > Literature > Magazines
Telephone bureau exchange, 1889
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Telephone bureau exchange, 1889
Telephone bureau exchange. 19th-century artwork of woman operating the exchange at a telephone bureau. They are using receivers to listen to incoming calls and using the wires and switches in front of them to re-route the calls to their destinations. The telephone had been invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876, with the technology spreading rapidly over the following decade. Artwork from the 4th volume (second period of 1889) of the French popular science weekly La Science Illustree
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9200233
© SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1880s 1889 Annual Volume Center Centre Communicating Communication Communications Controller Electrical Exchange French La Science Illustree Lines Louis Figuier Machine Magazine Operator Operators Popular Science Switchboard Switches Telecommunication Telecommunications Telephoning Weekly Women Worker Workers Working Bureau Controllers Routing Telephone Line
EDITORS COMMENTS
This 19th-century artwork transports us back to the early days of telecommunications, specifically to a telephone bureau exchange in 1889. The image showcases a dedicated female operator skillfully managing the exchange, utilizing receivers to listen attentively to incoming calls. With an array of wires and switches before her, she expertly reroutes each call to its intended destination. Alexander Graham Bell's groundbreaking invention of the telephone in 1876 had rapidly spread across Europe by this time, revolutionizing communication as we knew it. This illustration comes from the pages of La Science Illustree, a popular French science weekly publication that aimed to educate and inform its readers about scientific advancements. The monochrome artwork beautifully captures both the historical significance and technological marvels of this era. It highlights not only the intricate machinery involved but also emphasizes human involvement in operating these early telecommunication systems. As we gaze upon this snapshot from history, we are reminded of how far we have come in terms of communication technology. From manual switchboards operated by skilled individuals like our protagonist here, we now hold powerful smartphones that connect us instantly with people around the world. Let this image serve as a testament to human ingenuity and progress while honoring those who paved the way for our modern interconnected world.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
