Turing display bid given boost by Google donation

Computing would not be the same without the work of Alan Turing – the man responsible for cracking the Enigma code that contributed so significantly to the allied war effort during the Second World War. For his efforts in computing, Turing is often labelled ‘the father of the computer’.

Now it appears that some of Turing’s papers related to his efforts during the Second World War are to go on auction and the Bletchley Park Trust is bidding for them. Auction house Christie’s has described the Turing collection as ‘unparalleled’, so it is little wonder that Bletchley Park has shown such interest.

However, the fund may not be able to meet the valuation of the papers, despite a donation from Google. Google has donated $100,000 to the Bletchley Park Trust to try and help it win the auction and secure the papers in order that they can go on public display.

Those behind the Trust have been working to try and get extra funding from some of computing’s most recognisable names. Gareth Halfacree, one of those behind the bid, said:

We have people trying to get in touch with Microsoft and Apple to see if they can replicate Google’s generosity. This collection belongs in a museum on public view where people can appreciate their significance.