A stunning array of scholarly articles authored by the iconic codebreaker Alan Turing is poised to hit the auction stage, providing a rare opportunity to explore the intellect of one of the most pivotal figures in computer science and mathematics. Scheduled for auction later this month, these documents are expected to attract bids in the tens of thousands of pounds, piquing the interest of collectors and historians alike.
This collection features Turing’s personally signed copy of his PhD dissertation, a notable academic milestone that highlights his contributions to the discipline. Included is the renowned 1936 paper in which Turing first presented the idea of a ‘universal computing machine,’ a seminal work that continues to be fundamental to the evolution of modern computing. Each of these manuscripts has been appraised at an impressive £40,000–60,000, indicative of their historical and intellectual value.
Among the documents is Turing’s singular venture into chemistry, ‘The Chemical Basis of Morphogenesis,’ released in 1952. This groundbreaking article established the foundation for theoretical biology by introducing what are known as ‘Turing patterns.’ These patterns have offered vital insights into the self-organizing characteristics of biological systems.
Originally bestowed to Turing’s close associate and fellow mathematician, Norman Routledge, by Turing’s mother Ethel, the collection also features a handwritten letter, lending a personal element to the scholarly significance of the papers. After Routledge’s death in 2013, his sisters kept the documents hidden away in a loft, largely unaware of their potential market value.
The forthcoming auction was nearly derailed when Routledge’s sister’s daughters nearly disposed of the papers while sorting through her possessions. It was only at a family gathering in 2024, after a cousin’s prompt, that the collection was introduced to Hansons Auctioneers. Acknowledging their significance, the auction house dedicated substantial resources to thoroughly research and catalog the collection.
In describing the papers, Jim Spencer, director of Rare Book Auctions, emphasized their extraordinary importance. ‘These seemingly unremarkable documents – flawlessly preserved in the muted tones of their simple academic wrappers – signify the bedrock of computer science and modern digital computing,’ he asserted passionately.
The collection is scheduled for auction by Rare Book Auctions on 17 June, representing a historic moment for collectors and aficionados eager to acquire a piece of the legacy of Alan Turing, a pioneer whose impact continues to resonate throughout mathematics, computing, and beyond.