weird and wonderful gadgets exhibition

the original ‘sat – nav watch’. photo © british library business and intellectual centre/pa wire

before personal gps navigation systems and electronic maps there was the ‘sat – nav’ wristwatch. invented in 1920 the watch worked by users inserting tiny scroll maps into the watch and turning the dial as they progressed along the road. although the invention was not a success at the time, the idea has become a reality with the popularity of navigation systems. the ‘sat- nav’ wristwatch is just one of many practical and somewhat quirky inventions and gadgets featured in the exhibition. other gadgets included are a two handled self pouring teapot (1886) and a mechanical page turner (1890). all objects on display are part of a private collection of british author maurice collins, a collector of victorian gadgets.

http://www.bl.uk