Richard Monkhouse & Peter Donebauer, and Development of the EMS Spectron and the Videokalos Image Processor

Abstract

This paper discusses the background, origins and development, as well as the functions and operation, of two early British video synthesisers by the artist/engineers who designed and built them: the EMS “Spectron” by Richard Monkhouse, and the”Videokalos Image Processor” by Peter Donebauer. The paper traces the development of these two instruments, the relationship between them and the creative partnership that developed between these two artists. It also contextualises the work of these two artists and compares the instruments with others developed by other artists. The presentation will also include video extracts and images produced by the synthesisers both by the artists who made them and others who used them subsequently.