The popular shorthand for digital photo editing is based on the name of software developed in the 90s. However, that activity was already being done by users of a bespoke art computer developed by a British company in the early 80s, and the public could see the output of this machine everywhere. So why is digital photo manipulation not called “being Paintboxed”?

Thanks to DextersTechLab for actual Paintbox footage and technical assistance, Adrian Wilson for lots of feedback and resources!

References

Quantel Paintbox Resources

• DextersTechLab (https://youtube.com/@DextersTechLab)
  • Paintbox repair videos and lots of other Quantel goodness
• Quantel Paintbox (https://quantelpaintbox.com)
  • Adrian’s site with history on Quantel, the Paintbox, and the media created by this incredible machine

Credits

Music

• “Sunflower Dance Party” by Kevin MacLeod
  • https://incompetech.com
  • CC-BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)