BNR Prototype Telephones | Northern Telecom Design Photos

The Warren Ellis Collection of 1980s (BNR) Prototype Photos

I would like to give full credit to Warren Ellis for these photos.

The Warren Ellis Collection of 1980s Bell-Northern Research (BNR) prototype telephone photos offers a rare look at Northern Telecom industrial design and prototype development. Warren Ellis spent 31 years with Northern Telecom and worked in the Design Interpretive group under John Tyson, building prototype samples during his time at BNR. These photographs show Northern Telecom prototype telephones, display models, field-trial designs and other concepts from an important period in Canadian telecommunications history.

Additional Photos added from the Cliff Read Collection.

I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Cliff Read for his generous contribution of Northern Telecom and Bell-Northern Research historical materials.
His collection includes rare prototype, field-trial photographs, along with original industrial design sketches, drawings from his personal portfolio.
These pieces reflect the innovation and creativity that helped shape the look and feel of Canada’s telecommunications history.
While some of Cliff’s concepts reached full production, others remained as experimental designs, offering a rare glimpse into the evolution of industrial design and the creative process that defined Northern Telecom’s most distinctive era.
Cliff’s dedication and contributions have provided invaluable insight into a chapter of design history that continues to inspire.

June 1, 1984 – Presenting the Harmony Phone, with Warren Ellis (LEFT) Mike Brown (MIDDLE) and Cliff Read (RIGHT).

Two Photos Below From Cliff Read Collection.

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This 1976 prototype E-Phone below was sent to the Epcot Center in Florida for display sometime in the 1980s.
Its current whereabouts are unknown.

Display Samples

1980’s Multi-Line Prototype Samples

Warren Ellis Collection.

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The prototype wristwatch below was designed for the hearing impaired, intended to vibrate when the telephone, doorbell, or smoke detector activated. However, it never made it to market.