Aesthedes

The Aesthedes was a computer graphics or computer-aided design (CAD) system designed and developed in the 1970s and 1980s by Claessens Product Consultants (now Cartils) in Hilversum, in the Netherlands. The computer was operational in 1982 and was launched commercially in 1985 from Aesthedes offices in Hilversum, London, Cologne and Los Angeles. It was equipped with ten microprocessors, three 20” full colour, high-resolution screens and three small data display screens. It was unique at the time for being able to manipulate B-splines (a type of curve) in real time and to produce camera ready (i.e. ultra-high resolution) finished artwork for use in offset printing or other printing processes, including photogravure.

Aesthedes facility in Belgium, mid 1980s

Aesthedes facility in Belgium, mid 1980s

Aesthedes 2 graphic editing console on display at the University of Amsterdam computer museum.

Aesthedes 2 graphic editing console on display at the University of Amsterdam computer museum.