University of Nottingham Seeks to Showcase Priceless Einstein Blackboard

Academics at the University of Nottingham are striving to highlight a significant historical artifact: a blackboard that bears the signature of renowned physicist Albert Einstein. This blackboard, believed to be the only one of its kind in the world featuring Einstein’s autograph, has remained in a staff meeting room for decades. It was originally used during a guest lecture at the university on 6 June 1930, making it a remarkable piece of history.

Dr Emma Chapman, the outreach coordinator for physics and astronomy at the university, describes the initiative to showcase the blackboard as her “passion project.” She emphasizes the rarity of the item, stating, “It’s essentially priceless.” Dr Chapman is keen to relocate the blackboard to a more prominent position so that more people can appreciate this unique relic. She notes that many are unaware of its significance until recently, and she is determined to change that.

Einstein’s visit to the University of Nottingham was facilitated by Prof Henry Brose, who led the physics department from 1927 to 1936. Brose, a friend of Einstein’s, had previously translated several of his works from German to English and had tirelessly advocated for Einstein’s theories in the UK. After numerous invitations, Einstein finally agreed to visit Nottingham following an invitation to another guest lecture at Oxford University.

During his visit, Einstein was accommodated at the home of Prof Frank Granger, the university’s vice-principal. In a letter, Einstein mentioned he would arrive “completely alone.” His arrival was delayed as he made a detour to Woolsthorpe in Lincolnshire, the childhood home of Sir Isaac Newton, the scientist who first explored the effects of gravity.

While delivering his lecture in German, Einstein made notes and drawings on the blackboard, which were later translated into English by Prof Brose. A 1930 article from the Journal of the Royal Society of Arts described Einstein as having a “curious childlike, timid expression,” which conveyed a sense of greatness without a “commanding voice.”

Einstein’s impact during this visit extended beyond the blackboard. He also signed a first edition of Newton’s work, Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica, which belonged to Prof Granger. Interestingly, the chalk Einstein used on the blackboard initially went missing after it was taken by an eager student and broken in half. One piece was kept by the student, while the other half was given to a journalist from the Nottingham Journal, who returned it to the university on the 50th anniversary of Einstein’s lecture.

In addition to the blackboard and the chalk, the university holds various newspaper clippings and handwritten letters related to Einstein’s visit, further enriching its historical significance.

Currently, university officials are exploring options for displaying the blackboard more prominently, including potential locations in the foyer of the physics building or a classroom where students could engage with it directly. Despite being behind glass, the chalk marks on the blackboard have faded over time, raising concerns about its preservation.

Dr Chapman indicated that plans are underway for an expert appraisal to ensure the blackboard is adequately protected before any relocation takes place. “We certainly don’t want to move it until someone has looked at it and said ‘yeah that’s good’,” she stated. The goal is to ensure the blackboard remains with the university for another century, preserving its legacy for future generations.

As the university works on these initiatives, Dr Chapman and her colleagues remain committed to ensuring that this extraordinary artifact remains an integral part of the academic community at the University of Nottingham.