The world’s first true microcomputer, the Q1, is to go on display at a special public exhibition at Kingston University.

The event, running from the 13^th to the 17^th of February, will feature more than 60 computers from the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

Manufactured by the Q1 Corporation in the United States in December 1972, only a few Q1s were imported into Britain.

It is believed the two on display could be the only surviving models in the country.

Paul Neve, an expert in early computers, said.

“The early pioneers in the 1970s and 1980s laid the foundation for today’s everything device – the modern computer now so ubiquitous in everyday life. We rely on computers for our work, communication, productivity and entertainment, but without the early trailblazers none of these would exist. There would be no PCs, no Macs and no Apple or Android phones without Q1 Corporation, Sinclair and Acorn.” Visitors to the exhibition will be able to play classic games on retro computers such as the ZX Spectrum.

More than 60 different computers and gaming machines, some first-generation including Atari, Sinclair ZX81, ZX Spectrum, Sinclair QL, BBC Micro, Acorn Electron, Amstrad, Commodore and the Dragon 32 will be on display at the exhibition.