A new interactive gallery dedicated to the most influential invention of the 20th century’…quite a claim on the part of the publicist promoting this latest RTS event, but in this case the blurb was justified. A blustery night failed to put off the stalwarts determined to see the newest gallery dedicated to all that’s great about television at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford.
The Production Zone (sponsored by a well-known building society based in Bradford and Bingley) allows visitors a behind- the- scenes look at the ‘black arts’ of television production. Fascinating in its detail, the ‘working' drama production office gives an insight into the production managers’ world. Memos and post-it notes adorn the walls bearing suitably lovey names including Tarquin and Ginger – would-be production people can sit in the swivel chairs and make decisions about the casting suitability of actor ‘David Crawley’ for the part of ‘Ortho’ in a forthcoming production.
Experience TV is the museum’s permanent gallery telling the story of television and, what’s more, it tells it well! Split across two spaces on the 3rd floor of the museum, you can find out about the global clamour for event television and eighty more years ago the historic race between many inventors around the world to claim to be the founding father of television in Race for TV.
Other interactive displays ask questions such as does TV reflect society, or does society reflect TV? Visitors can explore these question in the Power of TV.
The new gallery is impressive and the themes very much in keeping with its subject. The best 'fun' is the live newscast complete with broadcast standard set, newsdesk, camera and autocue, with anyone who cares to have- a- go facing the terror of reporting a breaking news story with ‘live’ links to BBC network news and Huw Edwards in London; tension really does mount as the PA cues the hapless reporter in the sticks!
The most absorbing though is the traditional exhibit case displays and succinct and informative labels.
Notable amongst the museum’s splendid collection is the Baird Model B Televisor manufactured in 1928 - the world's first mass-produced television receiver, it sold an estimated 30 sets, and is the only surviving example. This is the oldest of over one thousand domestic television sets in NMPFT’s collection - and it's still in working order.
1938 saw the introduction of the Marconiphone Model 707 Television Receiver. This combined radio and television receiver has a tiny 7-inch screen. Following the outbreak of World War II (and the discontinuing of television transmissions), the receivers were sold to the public at a cut price for use as radio sets. People who had bought the sets found themselves in the fortunate position of owning a very cheap television receiver capable of receiving broadcasts once the war ended.
The evening was put together by John Barker, ex BBC and now a staffer at the Museum who personally conducted a tour of the broadcast standard studio and control room. His impressive knowledge and boundless enthusiasm for television was a highlight of the evening and did John Logie Baird proud!
Chris Meehan