APTS Archive
@aptsarchive.bsky.social
~ Preserving the televisual past for the digital future ~
Official channel of the Alexandra Palace Television Society.
All enquiries to [email protected]
Official channel of the Alexandra Palace Television Society.
All enquiries to [email protected]
#OTD - 2nd December 1953
The BBC Television Service introduced the Bat Wings ident, designed by Abraham Games, after two years of development. Games was paid 200 guineas for the design, 70 guineas for an on-screen clock, and a 15 guineas retainer.
The BBC Television Service introduced the Bat Wings ident, designed by Abraham Games, after two years of development. Games was paid 200 guineas for the design, 70 guineas for an on-screen clock, and a 15 guineas retainer.
December 2, 2025 at 10:01 AM
#OTD - 2nd December 1953
The BBC Television Service introduced the Bat Wings ident, designed by Abraham Games, after two years of development. Games was paid 200 guineas for the design, 70 guineas for an on-screen clock, and a 15 guineas retainer.
The BBC Television Service introduced the Bat Wings ident, designed by Abraham Games, after two years of development. Games was paid 200 guineas for the design, 70 guineas for an on-screen clock, and a 15 guineas retainer.
A must-watch documentary for anyone interested in the history of children's television programmes, with 'Whirligig' being one of the first.
Written and narrated by my friend Paul Hayes.
Written and narrated by my friend Paul Hayes.
Exactly 75 years ago, BBC Television had just begun regular broadcasting at Saturday teatimes, with the opening episode of Whirligig at 5pm.
We all know what happened 13 years later - but how does this story begin...?
Here's my first ever YouTube TV history video - The Story of Whirligig:
We all know what happened 13 years later - but how does this story begin...?
Here's my first ever YouTube TV history video - The Story of Whirligig:
The Story of Whirligig
YouTube video by Paul Hayes
www.youtube.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:18 PM
A must-watch documentary for anyone interested in the history of children's television programmes, with 'Whirligig' being one of the first.
Written and narrated by my friend Paul Hayes.
Written and narrated by my friend Paul Hayes.
#OTD - 23 November 1938 - "How Divers are Trained"
#OutsideBroadcast from the #SiebeGorman diving tank, Westminster Bridge Road, London.
#JohnSnagge in a diving suit received instruction on descending into the diving tank.
Commentary by #PhilipDorte
Presentation by #HaroldCox
#OutsideBroadcast from the #SiebeGorman diving tank, Westminster Bridge Road, London.
#JohnSnagge in a diving suit received instruction on descending into the diving tank.
Commentary by #PhilipDorte
Presentation by #HaroldCox
November 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM
#OTD - 23 November 1938 - "How Divers are Trained"
#OutsideBroadcast from the #SiebeGorman diving tank, Westminster Bridge Road, London.
#JohnSnagge in a diving suit received instruction on descending into the diving tank.
Commentary by #PhilipDorte
Presentation by #HaroldCox
#OutsideBroadcast from the #SiebeGorman diving tank, Westminster Bridge Road, London.
#JohnSnagge in a diving suit received instruction on descending into the diving tank.
Commentary by #PhilipDorte
Presentation by #HaroldCox
November 15, 2025 at 12:00 PM
#OTD - 11 November 1938 - #TheWhiteChateau was televised.
Starring: #AntoinetteCellier, #MaryHinton, #ErikChitty, #AndrewOsborn, #JoanKempWelch.
A location in Belgium that was known as the "White Chateau" by British soldiers and was the site of intense fighting.
Starring: #AntoinetteCellier, #MaryHinton, #ErikChitty, #AndrewOsborn, #JoanKempWelch.
A location in Belgium that was known as the "White Chateau" by British soldiers and was the site of intense fighting.
November 11, 2025 at 9:01 PM
#OTD - 11 November 1938 - #TheWhiteChateau was televised.
Starring: #AntoinetteCellier, #MaryHinton, #ErikChitty, #AndrewOsborn, #JoanKempWelch.
A location in Belgium that was known as the "White Chateau" by British soldiers and was the site of intense fighting.
Starring: #AntoinetteCellier, #MaryHinton, #ErikChitty, #AndrewOsborn, #JoanKempWelch.
A location in Belgium that was known as the "White Chateau" by British soldiers and was the site of intense fighting.
#OTD - Experimental Band V, 405-line broadcasts from Crystal Palace begin.
This film 'The Phoenix Tower' tells the story of the Crystal Palace and the building of the transmitting tower.
buff.ly/wDNjaR0
This film 'The Phoenix Tower' tells the story of the Crystal Palace and the building of the transmitting tower.
buff.ly/wDNjaR0
Crystal Palace Transmitter - The Phoenix Tower
Arqiva's Crystal Palace Transmitting Station - built in 1956 is the main TV transmitter for the London area. The tower stands 219 meters tall on the site of the sad demise of the Crystal Palace by…
youtu.be
November 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM
#OTD - Experimental Band V, 405-line broadcasts from Crystal Palace begin.
This film 'The Phoenix Tower' tells the story of the Crystal Palace and the building of the transmitting tower.
buff.ly/wDNjaR0
This film 'The Phoenix Tower' tells the story of the Crystal Palace and the building of the transmitting tower.
buff.ly/wDNjaR0
#OTD - 11th November 1937
The first outside broadcast of the Service of Remembrance from the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
Views of members of the Cabinet, #KingGeorge VI, #DukeofGloucester & #DukeofKent, the King laying a wreath on the #Cenotaph.
The television coverage lasted from 10:30 until 11:10am.
The first outside broadcast of the Service of Remembrance from the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
Views of members of the Cabinet, #KingGeorge VI, #DukeofGloucester & #DukeofKent, the King laying a wreath on the #Cenotaph.
The television coverage lasted from 10:30 until 11:10am.
November 11, 2025 at 10:30 AM
#OTD - 11th November 1937
The first outside broadcast of the Service of Remembrance from the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
Views of members of the Cabinet, #KingGeorge VI, #DukeofGloucester & #DukeofKent, the King laying a wreath on the #Cenotaph.
The television coverage lasted from 10:30 until 11:10am.
The first outside broadcast of the Service of Remembrance from the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
Views of members of the Cabinet, #KingGeorge VI, #DukeofGloucester & #DukeofKent, the King laying a wreath on the #Cenotaph.
The television coverage lasted from 10:30 until 11:10am.
Reposted by APTS Archive
OTD in early British television
After yesterday’s post about Television Comes to London, let’s stay in the first week of the official high definition television from Alexandra Palace, and turn our attention to the afternoon of Friday 6 November 1936.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/otd-in-early...
After yesterday’s post about Television Comes to London, let’s stay in the first week of the official high definition television from Alexandra Palace, and turn our attention to the afternoon of Friday 6 November 1936.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/otd-in-early...
OTD in early British television: 6 November 1936 - Illuminations
John Wyver writes: After yesterday’s post about Television Comes to London, let’s stay in the first week of the official high definition television from Alexandra Palace, and turn our attention to the...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 8:53 AM
OTD in early British television
After yesterday’s post about Television Comes to London, let’s stay in the first week of the official high definition television from Alexandra Palace, and turn our attention to the afternoon of Friday 6 November 1936.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/otd-in-early...
After yesterday’s post about Television Comes to London, let’s stay in the first week of the official high definition television from Alexandra Palace, and turn our attention to the afternoon of Friday 6 November 1936.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/otd-in-early...
Reposted by APTS Archive
Today's post reverts to the 'On this day in early British television' format, and considers the film documentary 'Television Comes to London', shown on the afternoon of Thursday 5 November 1936.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/otd-in-early...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/otd-in-early...
OTD in early British television: 5 November 1936 - Illuminations
John Wyver writes: The high definition television service from Alexandra Palace was just three days old on Bonfire Night 1936. That afternoon, after a performance under the name of the Mercury Ballet ...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Today's post reverts to the 'On this day in early British television' format, and considers the film documentary 'Television Comes to London', shown on the afternoon of Thursday 5 November 1936.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/otd-in-early...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/otd-in-early...
#OTD - 2 Nov 1936
The BBC high definition television service from #AlexandraPalace officially began at 3pm.
Baird (240-line) & Marconi-EMI (405-line) systems were employed (until Feb 1937), when it became a completely electronic system.
The service closed down on 1st September 1939.
The BBC high definition television service from #AlexandraPalace officially began at 3pm.
Baird (240-line) & Marconi-EMI (405-line) systems were employed (until Feb 1937), when it became a completely electronic system.
The service closed down on 1st September 1939.
November 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM
#OTD - 2 Nov 1936
The BBC high definition television service from #AlexandraPalace officially began at 3pm.
Baird (240-line) & Marconi-EMI (405-line) systems were employed (until Feb 1937), when it became a completely electronic system.
The service closed down on 1st September 1939.
The BBC high definition television service from #AlexandraPalace officially began at 3pm.
Baird (240-line) & Marconi-EMI (405-line) systems were employed (until Feb 1937), when it became a completely electronic system.
The service closed down on 1st September 1939.
See our Archivist next Sunday (2nd Nov at 5pm) on the wonderful #talkingpicstv channel, when he joins #noelcronin & #mikereaduk on #thefootagedetectives talking all things television history, with reels of 1930's television & items from the #APTSArchive.
Freeview82 Freesat306 Sky328 & Virgin445.
Freeview82 Freesat306 Sky328 & Virgin445.
October 26, 2025 at 10:01 AM
See our Archivist next Sunday (2nd Nov at 5pm) on the wonderful #talkingpicstv channel, when he joins #noelcronin & #mikereaduk on #thefootagedetectives talking all things television history, with reels of 1930's television & items from the #APTSArchive.
Freeview82 Freesat306 Sky328 & Virgin445.
Freeview82 Freesat306 Sky328 & Virgin445.
#OTD 16 October 1958 - First edition of #BluePeter was televised.
The first two presenters were #ChristopherTrace, an actor, and #LeilaWilliams, winner of #MissGreatBritain in 1957.
#BiddyBaxter became editor of the programme and until her final show in June 1988, after nearly 26 years.
The first two presenters were #ChristopherTrace, an actor, and #LeilaWilliams, winner of #MissGreatBritain in 1957.
#BiddyBaxter became editor of the programme and until her final show in June 1988, after nearly 26 years.
October 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM
#OTD 16 October 1958 - First edition of #BluePeter was televised.
The first two presenters were #ChristopherTrace, an actor, and #LeilaWilliams, winner of #MissGreatBritain in 1957.
#BiddyBaxter became editor of the programme and until her final show in June 1988, after nearly 26 years.
The first two presenters were #ChristopherTrace, an actor, and #LeilaWilliams, winner of #MissGreatBritain in 1957.
#BiddyBaxter became editor of the programme and until her final show in June 1988, after nearly 26 years.
#OTD 15 Oct 1951:
The UK held its first party election broadcasts. Viscount Samuel spoke for the #LiberalParty, #AnthonyEden for the #ConservativeParty on 16 Oct, and #SirHartleyShawcross for the #LabourParty on 17 Oct.
The #GeneralElection on 25 Oct saw #WinstonChurchill return to office.
The UK held its first party election broadcasts. Viscount Samuel spoke for the #LiberalParty, #AnthonyEden for the #ConservativeParty on 16 Oct, and #SirHartleyShawcross for the #LabourParty on 17 Oct.
The #GeneralElection on 25 Oct saw #WinstonChurchill return to office.
October 15, 2025 at 9:00 AM
#OTD 15 Oct 1951:
The UK held its first party election broadcasts. Viscount Samuel spoke for the #LiberalParty, #AnthonyEden for the #ConservativeParty on 16 Oct, and #SirHartleyShawcross for the #LabourParty on 17 Oct.
The #GeneralElection on 25 Oct saw #WinstonChurchill return to office.
The UK held its first party election broadcasts. Viscount Samuel spoke for the #LiberalParty, #AnthonyEden for the #ConservativeParty on 16 Oct, and #SirHartleyShawcross for the #LabourParty on 17 Oct.
The #GeneralElection on 25 Oct saw #WinstonChurchill return to office.
#OTD - 11 October 1958
Grandstand is first broadcast from Lime Grove Studios with #PeterDimmock as the presenter. He presented the first two editions & three weeks later, he was replaced by sports commentator #DavidColeman.
The last edition was tx'd 28 January 2007.
Grandstand is first broadcast from Lime Grove Studios with #PeterDimmock as the presenter. He presented the first two editions & three weeks later, he was replaced by sports commentator #DavidColeman.
The last edition was tx'd 28 January 2007.
October 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM
#OTD - 11 October 1958
Grandstand is first broadcast from Lime Grove Studios with #PeterDimmock as the presenter. He presented the first two editions & three weeks later, he was replaced by sports commentator #DavidColeman.
The last edition was tx'd 28 January 2007.
Grandstand is first broadcast from Lime Grove Studios with #PeterDimmock as the presenter. He presented the first two editions & three weeks later, he was replaced by sports commentator #DavidColeman.
The last edition was tx'd 28 January 2007.
#OTD 10 October 1955
Start of colour television test transmissions (405 VHF NTSC) from #AlexandraPalace.
#SylviaPeters took part in many of these experimental broadcasts.
The first live studio scenes were tx'd from Studio A at Alexandra Palace on 3rd April 1956, as seen here.
Start of colour television test transmissions (405 VHF NTSC) from #AlexandraPalace.
#SylviaPeters took part in many of these experimental broadcasts.
The first live studio scenes were tx'd from Studio A at Alexandra Palace on 3rd April 1956, as seen here.
October 10, 2025 at 9:15 AM
#OTD 10 October 1955
Start of colour television test transmissions (405 VHF NTSC) from #AlexandraPalace.
#SylviaPeters took part in many of these experimental broadcasts.
The first live studio scenes were tx'd from Studio A at Alexandra Palace on 3rd April 1956, as seen here.
Start of colour television test transmissions (405 VHF NTSC) from #AlexandraPalace.
#SylviaPeters took part in many of these experimental broadcasts.
The first live studio scenes were tx'd from Studio A at Alexandra Palace on 3rd April 1956, as seen here.
#OTD 1 October 1958 -
Ampex video recorder VR1000 used by BBC for first time.
The first broadcast was a trailer for the opera "A Tale of Two Cities", it was not long before it was being used for complete programmes.
Ampex video recorder VR1000 used by BBC for first time.
The first broadcast was a trailer for the opera "A Tale of Two Cities", it was not long before it was being used for complete programmes.
October 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM
#OTD 1 October 1958 -
Ampex video recorder VR1000 used by BBC for first time.
The first broadcast was a trailer for the opera "A Tale of Two Cities", it was not long before it was being used for complete programmes.
Ampex video recorder VR1000 used by BBC for first time.
The first broadcast was a trailer for the opera "A Tale of Two Cities", it was not long before it was being used for complete programmes.
#OTD 30 September 1938
Neville Chamberlain returned to Heston airport following his meeting with Hitler in Munich. His speech was broadcast live on radio and seen on television.
Seen in the photograph is a Super Emitron camera.
World War 2 commenced 11 months later.
Neville Chamberlain returned to Heston airport following his meeting with Hitler in Munich. His speech was broadcast live on radio and seen on television.
Seen in the photograph is a Super Emitron camera.
World War 2 commenced 11 months later.
September 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM
#OTD 30 September 1938
Neville Chamberlain returned to Heston airport following his meeting with Hitler in Munich. His speech was broadcast live on radio and seen on television.
Seen in the photograph is a Super Emitron camera.
World War 2 commenced 11 months later.
Neville Chamberlain returned to Heston airport following his meeting with Hitler in Munich. His speech was broadcast live on radio and seen on television.
Seen in the photograph is a Super Emitron camera.
World War 2 commenced 11 months later.
#OTD 28 September 1923 Radio Times was first publishd.
At a cost of 2d, it listed programmess for six BBC stations (2LO, 5IT, 2ZY, 5NO, 5WA, and 5SC). Newspapers boycotted these listings, fearing a drop in sales.
Radio Times also became the world's first TV listings magazine.
At a cost of 2d, it listed programmess for six BBC stations (2LO, 5IT, 2ZY, 5NO, 5WA, and 5SC). Newspapers boycotted these listings, fearing a drop in sales.
Radio Times also became the world's first TV listings magazine.
September 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OTD 28 September 1923 Radio Times was first publishd.
At a cost of 2d, it listed programmess for six BBC stations (2LO, 5IT, 2ZY, 5NO, 5WA, and 5SC). Newspapers boycotted these listings, fearing a drop in sales.
Radio Times also became the world's first TV listings magazine.
At a cost of 2d, it listed programmess for six BBC stations (2LO, 5IT, 2ZY, 5NO, 5WA, and 5SC). Newspapers boycotted these listings, fearing a drop in sales.
Radio Times also became the world's first TV listings magazine.
#OTD 26 Sep 1954 Television Goes to Sea
On 26 Sep 1954, the BBC in arrangement with British Railways, made history by broadcasting from the SS Lord Warden ferry, marking the first TV programme transmitted from a moving ship at sea.
On 26 Sep 1954, the BBC in arrangement with British Railways, made history by broadcasting from the SS Lord Warden ferry, marking the first TV programme transmitted from a moving ship at sea.
September 26, 2025 at 2:32 PM
#OTD 26 Sep 1954 Television Goes to Sea
On 26 Sep 1954, the BBC in arrangement with British Railways, made history by broadcasting from the SS Lord Warden ferry, marking the first TV programme transmitted from a moving ship at sea.
On 26 Sep 1954, the BBC in arrangement with British Railways, made history by broadcasting from the SS Lord Warden ferry, marking the first TV programme transmitted from a moving ship at sea.
#OTD - 22 Sep 1955
The first ITA contractor to begin broadcasting was the London weekday contractor Associated-Rediffusion, on 22 September 1955 beginning at 7.15pm.
The first ITA contractor to begin broadcasting was the London weekday contractor Associated-Rediffusion, on 22 September 1955 beginning at 7.15pm.
September 22, 2025 at 9:00 AM
#OTD - 22 Sep 1955
The first ITA contractor to begin broadcasting was the London weekday contractor Associated-Rediffusion, on 22 September 1955 beginning at 7.15pm.
The first ITA contractor to begin broadcasting was the London weekday contractor Associated-Rediffusion, on 22 September 1955 beginning at 7.15pm.
Reposted by APTS Archive
OTD in early British television
On Friday 16 September 1938 a television OB unit was among newsreel cameras at Heston Aerodrome to provide live coverage of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s return from meeting Adolf Hitler at Berchtesgaden.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/otd-in-early...
On Friday 16 September 1938 a television OB unit was among newsreel cameras at Heston Aerodrome to provide live coverage of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s return from meeting Adolf Hitler at Berchtesgaden.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/otd-in-early...
OTD in early British television: 16 September 1938 - Illuminations
John Wyver writes: On Friday 16 September 1938 a television OB unit was among newsreel cameras at Heston Aerodrome to provide live coverage of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s return from meeting ...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk
September 16, 2025 at 10:47 AM
OTD in early British television
On Friday 16 September 1938 a television OB unit was among newsreel cameras at Heston Aerodrome to provide live coverage of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s return from meeting Adolf Hitler at Berchtesgaden.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/otd-in-early...
On Friday 16 September 1938 a television OB unit was among newsreel cameras at Heston Aerodrome to provide live coverage of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s return from meeting Adolf Hitler at Berchtesgaden.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/otd-in-early...
Reposted by APTS Archive
Using archive images, we'll showcase the evolving architecture of Derby and its surroundings.
Heritage Open Days - Fri & Sat (19 & 20 Sep 2025).
Booking essential.
FULLY BOOKED - THUR 18th
#HOD2025 #HeritageOpenDay #HeritageOpenDays #DerbyHODs #Winters1852 #WWWinterHeritageTrust #WWWinterLtd
Heritage Open Days - Fri & Sat (19 & 20 Sep 2025).
Booking essential.
FULLY BOOKED - THUR 18th
#HOD2025 #HeritageOpenDay #HeritageOpenDays #DerbyHODs #Winters1852 #WWWinterHeritageTrust #WWWinterLtd
September 15, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Using archive images, we'll showcase the evolving architecture of Derby and its surroundings.
Heritage Open Days - Fri & Sat (19 & 20 Sep 2025).
Booking essential.
FULLY BOOKED - THUR 18th
#HOD2025 #HeritageOpenDay #HeritageOpenDays #DerbyHODs #Winters1852 #WWWinterHeritageTrust #WWWinterLtd
Heritage Open Days - Fri & Sat (19 & 20 Sep 2025).
Booking essential.
FULLY BOOKED - THUR 18th
#HOD2025 #HeritageOpenDay #HeritageOpenDays #DerbyHODs #Winters1852 #WWWinterHeritageTrust #WWWinterLtd
Reposted by APTS Archive
Using archive images, we'll showcase the evolving architecture of Derby and its surroundings.
Heritage Open Days - Fri & Sat (19 & 20 Sep 2025).
Booking essential.
FULLY BOOKED - THUR 18th
#HOD2025 #HeritageOpenDay #HeritageOpenDays #DerbyHODs #Winters1852 #WWWinterHeritageTrust #WWWinterLtd
Heritage Open Days - Fri & Sat (19 & 20 Sep 2025).
Booking essential.
FULLY BOOKED - THUR 18th
#HOD2025 #HeritageOpenDay #HeritageOpenDays #DerbyHODs #Winters1852 #WWWinterHeritageTrust #WWWinterLtd
September 14, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Using archive images, we'll showcase the evolving architecture of Derby and its surroundings.
Heritage Open Days - Fri & Sat (19 & 20 Sep 2025).
Booking essential.
FULLY BOOKED - THUR 18th
#HOD2025 #HeritageOpenDay #HeritageOpenDays #DerbyHODs #Winters1852 #WWWinterHeritageTrust #WWWinterLtd
Heritage Open Days - Fri & Sat (19 & 20 Sep 2025).
Booking essential.
FULLY BOOKED - THUR 18th
#HOD2025 #HeritageOpenDay #HeritageOpenDays #DerbyHODs #Winters1852 #WWWinterHeritageTrust #WWWinterLtd
#OTD - 11 September 1935
Last 30-line Baird experimental television broadcast transmitted by the BBC.
Desmond Campbell can be seen operating the scanner situated in the control room, looking into the studio.
Last 30-line Baird experimental television broadcast transmitted by the BBC.
Desmond Campbell can be seen operating the scanner situated in the control room, looking into the studio.
September 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM
#OTD - 11 September 1935
Last 30-line Baird experimental television broadcast transmitted by the BBC.
Desmond Campbell can be seen operating the scanner situated in the control room, looking into the studio.
Last 30-line Baird experimental television broadcast transmitted by the BBC.
Desmond Campbell can be seen operating the scanner situated in the control room, looking into the studio.
A fantastic opportunity to help shape and build a sustainable future for the UK's oldest still operational photographic studio.
W. W. Winter can trace is roots back to 1848, and is still operating today!
winterheritagetrust.org/applications...
W. W. Winter can trace is roots back to 1848, and is still operating today!
winterheritagetrust.org/applications...
September 10, 2025 at 9:13 AM
A fantastic opportunity to help shape and build a sustainable future for the UK's oldest still operational photographic studio.
W. W. Winter can trace is roots back to 1848, and is still operating today!
winterheritagetrust.org/applications...
W. W. Winter can trace is roots back to 1848, and is still operating today!
winterheritagetrust.org/applications...