Einstein memento returned
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A piece of blackboard bearing Albert Einstein's signature is to be restored to pride of place at Manchester University, 35 years after it was dumped in a cellar.
Einstein signed the board at Manchester University where he delivered his first British lecture on the theory of relativity in 1921 and was made an Honorary Doctor of Science.
His signature on the bottom of the board was later cut out, framed and hung in the physics laboratory until 1960.
But when the laboratory was redecorated, the autograph was consigned to the cellar where, seven years later, it was rescued by Douglas Broadbent, a lecturer, just days before a junk clearance in which it would probably have been destroyed.
Mr Broadbent, now 75, kept the momento on a wall in his home in Wythenshawe, Manchester. He has now handed it back to the university to be displayed once again.
"I always regarded it as custodianship rather than ownership," Mr Broadbent said. "Now I am not so closely connected with the university it seemed the right time to return it."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments