Museum delves into history of TV to mark anniversary

Now, the National Media Museum, in Bradford, inspired by the anniversary is taking a look at the history of British television.

Celebrate TV includes free activities for all ages, themed around the story of television and unveils a new audio-visual exhibit in the museum’s Experience TV gallery which tells the story of how watching television has changed from the 1920s to the present day.

Iain Baird, curator of broadcast culture at the museum and grandson of the inventor of television, John Logie Baird, said: “The anniversary is crucial when we think of the fact that a mere 75 years ago, television was “new media” – an uncertain technology and a cultural oddity.”

Celebrate TV starts at the National Media Museum this month and runs throughout half term, from October 22-30.

On November 2, 1936, the BBC transformed television broadcasting from a small-scale low definition enterprise into an ambitious high definition public service that was the forerunner of the broadcast services received in homes all over the world today. Viewers heard the words “this is direct television from the studios at Alexandra Palace…”

Workshops and events around the museum will give everyone a taste of some of the top TV moments from the past 75 years. Visitors can enjoy a live action performance of classic TV highlights and get creative in imagining how televisions may look in the future.

Dates for specific events and information is available by visiting the website: www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk