A bistable storage and display tube using an electroluminescent layer capable of storing an ''''on'''' charge pattern, created by an electron write gun, on the inner surface thereof. An electron flood gun is employed to clamp the potential of the inner surface of the electroluminescent layer, in the ''''on'''' regions where a charge pattern is created, to the potential of a collector electrode. An a.c. signal applied to the electroluminescent layer, via a transparent conductive layer in contact with the outer surface thereof, acts to develop an alternating field across the layer in the ''''on'''' regions, to thereby produce luminescence thereat.