Out of sight, in the basement of the Electrical Engineering Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) building you will find the Studieverzameling (literally study collection.) Walking down the stairs will take you back in time.
According to the faculty website the Studieverzameling is “a unique and extensive collection of electrical engineering objects”. What started out as storage space for obsolete items has become a neat and ordered treasure chamber.
From radios, typewriters and telephones to books, navigation equipment and electron tubes. Early computers such as the ZEBRA from 1960, and its predecessor the TESTUDO from 1947 are on display. You will also find a Gramme dynamo electrical generator and some of the first videophones from the 1970s.
Strictly speaking it is not a museum. There are no complete sets, and there are very few labelled exhibits. However, each section has been laid out so that you can see the development of an item over time, inevitably getting smaller and smaller in more recent years.
This collection, with an estimated value of over 2.5 million euros, is a sight to behold. It is vast, taking up 1,750 m². Despite its location in the EEMCS building since its opening in 1969, the collection has only become ordered and accessible in the last ten years.
The Studieverzameling is run by a dedicated and passionate group of volunteers, eleven retirees each with their own area of expertise. The driving force behind the work done there is Han Geijp. He describes himself as a “coordinator who manages the collection, and facilitates the volunteers where possible”. Geijp retired from TU Delft in 2005.
According to Geijp, “This unique heritage deserves daily attention and protection.” He explained that in the future he would like to improve accessibility, in cooperation with the faculty, so that items can be used more for educational purposes. Furthermore, the space could be more optimally used with the possibility of room reservations, tours, borrowing of items, archiving and exhibitions. With no budget to speak of, it will no doubt be a never ending task.
“What we have here is so unique and interesting,” said Eric Winkel, a volunteer. “I would like for it to be seen and for more people to come and visit.”
The Studieverzameling is open every Monday and at other times by appointment. You can find more information on their website.
What’s hiding at TU Delft? is a series by Delta highlighting objects and collections hidden around the university. Want to suggest an exhibit? Email us at deltainternational@tudelft.nl
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