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.
On 23 September 1938 the OB unit made a return visit to Pinewood studios as part of the afternoon transmission.
In the evening they covered "Pinewood: The Television Ball", featuring a number of well known film performers, as this image in the APTS Archive shows.
In the evening they covered "Pinewood: The Television Ball", featuring a number of well known film performers, as this image in the APTS Archive shows.
November 25, 2025 at 9:06 PM
On 23 September 1938 the OB unit made a return visit to Pinewood studios as part of the afternoon transmission.
In the evening they covered "Pinewood: The Television Ball", featuring a number of well known film performers, as this image in the APTS Archive shows.
In the evening they covered "Pinewood: The Television Ball", featuring a number of well known film performers, as this image in the APTS Archive shows.
#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 - 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.
#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.
#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.
#OTD 5 Sep 1949.
The moon was televised for the first time from a balcony at Alexandra Palace.
A complicated arrangements of telescope & mirrors was required which directed the image into the television camera.
Produced by #AndrewMillerJones
#BBCTelevision #BBCTelevisionService
The moon was televised for the first time from a balcony at Alexandra Palace.
A complicated arrangements of telescope & mirrors was required which directed the image into the television camera.
Produced by #AndrewMillerJones
#BBCTelevision #BBCTelevisionService
September 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM
#OTD 5 Sep 1949.
The moon was televised for the first time from a balcony at Alexandra Palace.
A complicated arrangements of telescope & mirrors was required which directed the image into the television camera.
Produced by #AndrewMillerJones
#BBCTelevision #BBCTelevisionService
The moon was televised for the first time from a balcony at Alexandra Palace.
A complicated arrangements of telescope & mirrors was required which directed the image into the television camera.
Produced by #AndrewMillerJones
#BBCTelevision #BBCTelevisionService
#OTD - 1st Sep 1939
BBC Television Service closed for duration of World War II, for reasons of national defence.
Only 20,000 households had TVs, & since TV programmes were costly to produce, resources were redirected to more critical wartime needs.
Fifty engineers were reassigned to radar projects
BBC Television Service closed for duration of World War II, for reasons of national defence.
Only 20,000 households had TVs, & since TV programmes were costly to produce, resources were redirected to more critical wartime needs.
Fifty engineers were reassigned to radar projects
September 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM
#OTD - 1st Sep 1939
BBC Television Service closed for duration of World War II, for reasons of national defence.
Only 20,000 households had TVs, & since TV programmes were costly to produce, resources were redirected to more critical wartime needs.
Fifty engineers were reassigned to radar projects
BBC Television Service closed for duration of World War II, for reasons of national defence.
Only 20,000 households had TVs, & since TV programmes were costly to produce, resources were redirected to more critical wartime needs.
Fifty engineers were reassigned to radar projects
#OTD - 31st Aug 1936
First appearance of Elizabeth Cowell, the BBC Television announcer on screen.
Also this day saw British Movietone & Paramount newsreels filming at Alexandra Palace. The British Movietone Newsreel was issued on 3rd September 1936.
First appearance of Elizabeth Cowell, the BBC Television announcer on screen.
Also this day saw British Movietone & Paramount newsreels filming at Alexandra Palace. The British Movietone Newsreel was issued on 3rd September 1936.
August 31, 2025 at 4:00 PM
#OTD - 31st Aug 1936
First appearance of Elizabeth Cowell, the BBC Television announcer on screen.
Also this day saw British Movietone & Paramount newsreels filming at Alexandra Palace. The British Movietone Newsreel was issued on 3rd September 1936.
First appearance of Elizabeth Cowell, the BBC Television announcer on screen.
Also this day saw British Movietone & Paramount newsreels filming at Alexandra Palace. The British Movietone Newsreel was issued on 3rd September 1936.
#OTD 25 Aug 1937
Electronically generated television test signal "Art Bars" were transmitted for the first time.
Prior to this a test signal was generated using an image on a board in front of an Emitron camera.
Electronically generated television test signal "Art Bars" were transmitted for the first time.
Prior to this a test signal was generated using an image on a board in front of an Emitron camera.
August 25, 2025 at 9:30 AM
#OTD 25 Aug 1937
Electronically generated television test signal "Art Bars" were transmitted for the first time.
Prior to this a test signal was generated using an image on a board in front of an Emitron camera.
Electronically generated television test signal "Art Bars" were transmitted for the first time.
Prior to this a test signal was generated using an image on a board in front of an Emitron camera.
#OTD - 22nd Aug 1932 - The BBC began making regular television programmes.
From this date the TV transmissions by the Baird process were devised & produced by the BBC.
Photo shows Louie Freear in Studio BB at Broadcasting House, with the photocells which took the place of lights in the studio.
From this date the TV transmissions by the Baird process were devised & produced by the BBC.
Photo shows Louie Freear in Studio BB at Broadcasting House, with the photocells which took the place of lights in the studio.
August 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OTD - 22nd Aug 1932 - The BBC began making regular television programmes.
From this date the TV transmissions by the Baird process were devised & produced by the BBC.
Photo shows Louie Freear in Studio BB at Broadcasting House, with the photocells which took the place of lights in the studio.
From this date the TV transmissions by the Baird process were devised & produced by the BBC.
Photo shows Louie Freear in Studio BB at Broadcasting House, with the photocells which took the place of lights in the studio.
#OTD 29 Jul 1955
"This Is Your Life" debuted on BBC TV.
The host surprises a guest and reviews their life with the 'big red book'. The show ran until 1964 with #EammonAndrews. It was revived on ITV from 1969 to 1994, hosted by Andrews until 1987, then #MichaelAspel on BBC TV from 1994 to 2003.
"This Is Your Life" debuted on BBC TV.
The host surprises a guest and reviews their life with the 'big red book'. The show ran until 1964 with #EammonAndrews. It was revived on ITV from 1969 to 1994, hosted by Andrews until 1987, then #MichaelAspel on BBC TV from 1994 to 2003.
July 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM
#OTD 29 Jul 1955
"This Is Your Life" debuted on BBC TV.
The host surprises a guest and reviews their life with the 'big red book'. The show ran until 1964 with #EammonAndrews. It was revived on ITV from 1969 to 1994, hosted by Andrews until 1987, then #MichaelAspel on BBC TV from 1994 to 2003.
"This Is Your Life" debuted on BBC TV.
The host surprises a guest and reviews their life with the 'big red book'. The show ran until 1964 with #EammonAndrews. It was revived on ITV from 1969 to 1994, hosted by Andrews until 1987, then #MichaelAspel on BBC TV from 1994 to 2003.