Incredible objects from Stephen Hawking's office to go on display at Bradford's National Science and Media Museum

Now incredible objects from his office are to give a hidden glimpse into the inner workings of his mind as they go on display in Bradford for the first time.

Hawking is best known for his discoveries about black holes, with his work and bestselling books on the origins of the universe to revolutionise public understanding.

A display to open next month at Bradford's National Science and Media Museum is to explore the work of a man widely considered among the greatest scientists of his time.

Notable items from his office, including a rare copy of his PhD thesis, his most recent wheelchair and first synthesizer, as well as specially adapted spectacles, will all feature.

Mr Hawking's daughter Lucy said: "It’s wonderful to see items from my father's office brought together at the National Science and Media Museum as part of a highlights display.

"Dad’s office was such a unique and fascinating environment, and I hope this display might inspire some scientists of the future.”

More than 700 items have been catalogued, photographed and published online by the Science Museum Group, so that audiences across the globe can explore the wider collection.

Now a new exhibition Stephen Hawking at Work, which has been on display at London's Science Museum, opens in Bradford on Thursday February 9 before moving to Manchester in the spring.

The objects, acquired for the nation by the Science Museum Group, give insight into Hawking's life as a scientist and as a person who lived with motor neurone disease (MND).

The display contains one of only five known copies of Hawking’s PhD thesis, and a photograph from the set of his guest appearance on Star Trek: The Next Generation, where he was the only person to play themselves in the Star Trek universe. There is even an invitation to a party for time travellers which Hawking hosted.

The exhibition also explores Hawking's experience of MND, living with the disease for more than five decades before his death in 2018. Visitors can see Hawking’s earliest voice synthesiser, adapted to hang on the back of his wheelchair, and his spectacles which had a cheek sensor to control his voice software.

Durator Dr Juan-Andres Leon said: "These notable items give a rare glimpse into Hawking’s remarkable life as a world-renowned theoretical physicist to inspire the next generation of scientists and thinkers.

"The Science Museum Group acquired Hawking’s most treasured possessions in May 2021 and now audiences from across the country will have the opportunity to see a selection of these fascinating objects up close.”