Dead teen's computer unearthed after 30 years but contents brings mum to tears

23 April 2023 , 16:57

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Richard's family hadn't seen his art in 30 years (Image: Supplied)

A mother has spoken of her joy at unearthing her late son's computer-designed artworks more than 30 years after his death.

When he was five years old, gifted young artist Richard McFarlane was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a muscle degeneration disorder that limits life expectancy.

When Richard passed away in 1991, at the age of just 17, he left behind numerous works of art on his Amiga 500 computer, which he'd created using Deluxe Paint.

For many years after his death, however, Richard's PC was left to gather dust in the attic. The family, who live in Chaddesden, Derby, had previously tried to donate their old computers but were told they had no value.

The PC was left to gather dust in the attic for decades (Supplied)

Everything changed this year however when Richard's sister Tamsin spotted a donations appeal for a new computer museum in Derby City Centre.

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As previously reported by Derbyshire Live,Tamsin donated her brother's collection to the newly established Derby Computer Museum, and incredibly, museum creator Rob Watson was able to obtain copies of one of Richard's artwork from the old PC.

Before it opened officially to the public, Rob gave Richard’s family a tour of the museum, and revealed a section of one of the rooms had been dedicated to Richard.

This section included Richard's now working computer, plus a plaque informing visitors of his story. It was also decorated with a number of video game posters Richard had collected over the years.

Tamsin decided to donate her brother's old PC to the computer museum (Supplied)

During what was an emotional evening, the family was also presented with a special framed photograph of some of Richard's drawings.

Tamsin told the publication: "We knew all the pictures were on there but we hadn't seen them for 30 years. It was bizarre seeing it all. It's been lovely and what the guys have done has been amazing because it's just brought back so many memories.

"The amount of care and attention that's been given to his little memorials and everything."

Richard's mum was left 'choked up' after seeing his section (Supplied)

Richard's mother Jen said: "The computers were the last thing in the loft. We didn't know what to do with them. This was ideal. It was nice to give it to somebody rather than just have to throw it.

"It's heartwarming to see it in here. It took me by surprise and seeing his dedicated section choked me up straight away. It's wonderful."

Julia Banim