Illuminations
@illuminations.bsky.social
Media producer of arts docs, screen performance; posts by John Wyver, Professor of the Arts on Screen, Univ of Westminster; broadcasting history, esp early TV, theatre, film, visual art
Images: Man w the Flower, ‘30 / de Stael, Le Saladier (detail), ‘54
Images: Man w the Flower, ‘30 / de Stael, Le Saladier (detail), ‘54
Pinned
Illuminations
@illuminations.bsky.social
· Jul 31
Magic Rays of Light
Magic Rays of Light is an original and ambitious history of the largely unknown early years of television in Britain. A detailed cultural study of the first dem…
www.bloomsbury.com
My book 'Magic Rays of Light: The Early Years of Television in Britain' can be pre-ordered from Bloomsbury here, currently with discounts on the hardback, paperback and e-book versions.
Publication 8 January, just ahead of the centenary of television in Britain.
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/magic-ray...
Publication 8 January, just ahead of the centenary of television in Britain.
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/magic-ray...
For more than 60 years I have had tinned grapefruit for Christmas Day breakfast; today is not the day to break that tradition. Happy Christmas 🎄
December 25, 2025 at 7:52 AM
For more than 60 years I have had tinned grapefruit for Christmas Day breakfast; today is not the day to break that tradition. Happy Christmas 🎄
Reposted by Illuminations
The Embassy staff of Germany, France and the United Kingdom sing Schedryk in the Kyiv underground.
Wonderful!
Wonderful!
December 24, 2025 at 10:29 PM
The Embassy staff of Germany, France and the United Kingdom sing Schedryk in the Kyiv underground.
Wonderful!
Wonderful!
Must be the time of year but there was a tear in my eye as I read @hcrichardson.bsky.social on NORAD and Santa Claus. A holdover from a more innocent (in some ways) and more peaceful world. Happy Christmas!
heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/december-2...
heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/december-2...
December 23, 2025
On December 24, 2025, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, will celebrate seventy years of tracking Santa’s sleigh.
heathercoxrichardson.substack.com
December 24, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Must be the time of year but there was a tear in my eye as I read @hcrichardson.bsky.social on NORAD and Santa Claus. A holdover from a more innocent (in some ways) and more peaceful world. Happy Christmas!
heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/december-2...
heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/december-2...
Reposted by Illuminations
I've signed this. I spent three years in and out of Caversham for a thesis on one particular aspect of the BBC's history. But the BBC is one of the UK's four or five most crucial institutions of the last 100 years. Impossible to write much of that history with limited access to those archives.
The open letter is here and still open, but use the email at the top to do so. tinyurl.com/bbcwaccampaign
December 24, 2025 at 12:40 PM
I've signed this. I spent three years in and out of Caversham for a thesis on one particular aspect of the BBC's history. But the BBC is one of the UK's four or five most crucial institutions of the last 100 years. Impossible to write much of that history with limited access to those archives.
Again, this is a strong, clear article by Christian Kriticos about the wrong-headed changes to access at the crucially important BBC Written Archives Centre, and why they must be reversed.
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/65a1031...
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/65a1031...
The BBC scandal of 2025 that went unnoticed
The Written Archives Centre has closed off access to most of its treasures, leaving historians in dismay
www.telegraph.co.uk
December 24, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Again, this is a strong, clear article by Christian Kriticos about the wrong-headed changes to access at the crucially important BBC Written Archives Centre, and why they must be reversed.
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/65a1031...
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/65a1031...
Reposted by Illuminations
Just up on the Telegraph, a thorough and thoughtful piece about the wrongheaded policy changes at WAC. Thanks to Kate Murphy, @illuminations.bsky.social, @unamccormack.bsky.social and @marklewisohn.bsky.social for giving up their time. Gift link here
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/65a1031...
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/65a1031...
The BBC scandal of 2025 that went unnoticed
The Written Archives Centre has closed its doors to the public, despite being funded by the licence fee
www.telegraph.co.uk
December 23, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Just up on the Telegraph, a thorough and thoughtful piece about the wrongheaded policy changes at WAC. Thanks to Kate Murphy, @illuminations.bsky.social, @unamccormack.bsky.social and @marklewisohn.bsky.social for giving up their time. Gift link here
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/65a1031...
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/65a1031...
The BBC Scandal That Went Unnoticed
Christian Kriticos for the Telegraph on the disastrous changes to access at the BBC Written Archives Centre. The article does an excellent job at detailing the issues at stake [gift link]
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/65a1031...
Christian Kriticos for the Telegraph on the disastrous changes to access at the BBC Written Archives Centre. The article does an excellent job at detailing the issues at stake [gift link]
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/65a1031...
The BBC scandal of 2025 that went unnoticed
The Written Archives Centre has closed its doors to the public, despite being funded by the licence fee
www.telegraph.co.uk
December 23, 2025 at 5:22 PM
The BBC Scandal That Went Unnoticed
Christian Kriticos for the Telegraph on the disastrous changes to access at the BBC Written Archives Centre. The article does an excellent job at detailing the issues at stake [gift link]
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/65a1031...
Christian Kriticos for the Telegraph on the disastrous changes to access at the BBC Written Archives Centre. The article does an excellent job at detailing the issues at stake [gift link]
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/65a1031...
This really is ridiculously good on Rob Key from @barneyronay.bsky.social - I'm ever more convinced Barney should be appointed to replace both Key and McCullum - at say twice his Guardian salary, thereby saving the ECB enough for the inevitable pay-offs #Ashes
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/d...
English cricket meets Spinal Tap as Rob Key delivers latest Ashes autopsy | Barney Ronay
The England men’s cricket MD offered a postmortem that didn’t address the nuts and bolts of the system he manages
www.theguardian.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:52 PM
This really is ridiculously good on Rob Key from @barneyronay.bsky.social - I'm ever more convinced Barney should be appointed to replace both Key and McCullum - at say twice his Guardian salary, thereby saving the ECB enough for the inevitable pay-offs #Ashes
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/d...
Reposted by Illuminations
Please can @barneyronay.bsky.social be the next manager of the England team?
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/d...
Arrogant England’s cricket machine collapses like a castle of dust in 11 days | Barney Ronay
So this is Christmas. And what have we done? The Ashes is over. With two Tests still to come
www.theguardian.com
December 21, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Please can @barneyronay.bsky.social be the next manager of the England team?
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/d...
Please can @barneyronay.bsky.social be the next manager of the England team?
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/d...
Arrogant England’s cricket machine collapses like a castle of dust in 11 days | Barney Ronay
So this is Christmas. And what have we done? The Ashes is over. With two Tests still to come
www.theguardian.com
December 21, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Please can @barneyronay.bsky.social be the next manager of the England team?
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/d...
Reposted by Illuminations
The Sunday dozen, with links about television and film, a trial from the 1920s, a Soviet architect and French feminism, plus Henry James and Venice.
Happy holiday reading.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/the-sunday-d...
Happy holiday reading.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/the-sunday-d...
The Sunday dozen - Illuminations
John Wyver writes: Stuff from the past week that has engaged and informed me, with a bias this time towards the USA (but not all of it bad). There is television and film, a trial from the 1920s, a Sov...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk
December 21, 2025 at 6:24 AM
The Sunday dozen, with links about television and film, a trial from the 1920s, a Soviet architect and French feminism, plus Henry James and Venice.
Happy holiday reading.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/the-sunday-d...
Happy holiday reading.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/the-sunday-d...
Reposted by Illuminations
Another collection of diverse articles. Worth a glide over a morning brew.
The Sunday dozen, with links about television and film, a trial from the 1920s, a Soviet architect and French feminism, plus Henry James and Venice.
Happy holiday reading.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/the-sunday-d...
Happy holiday reading.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/the-sunday-d...
The Sunday dozen - Illuminations
John Wyver writes: Stuff from the past week that has engaged and informed me, with a bias this time towards the USA (but not all of it bad). There is television and film, a trial from the 1920s, a Sov...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk
December 21, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Another collection of diverse articles. Worth a glide over a morning brew.
This is magnificent.
December 21, 2025 at 9:23 AM
This is magnificent.
The Sunday dozen, with links about television and film, a trial from the 1920s, a Soviet architect and French feminism, plus Henry James and Venice.
Happy holiday reading.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/the-sunday-d...
Happy holiday reading.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/the-sunday-d...
The Sunday dozen - Illuminations
John Wyver writes: Stuff from the past week that has engaged and informed me, with a bias this time towards the USA (but not all of it bad). There is television and film, a trial from the 1920s, a Sov...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk
December 21, 2025 at 6:24 AM
The Sunday dozen, with links about television and film, a trial from the 1920s, a Soviet architect and French feminism, plus Henry James and Venice.
Happy holiday reading.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/the-sunday-d...
Happy holiday reading.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/the-sunday-d...
@barneyronay.bsky.social absolutely on the money here: www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/d...
Waste of Jacks’ talent speaks volumes for England’s bodged Ashes planning | Barney Ronay
The highly talented England player is simply being used for when either the batting or bowling goes wrong
www.theguardian.com
December 19, 2025 at 11:43 AM
@barneyronay.bsky.social absolutely on the money here: www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/d...
Totally delightful - and richer by the day
Something new. A #postcardadventcalendar. Stick with me for some nicely odd vintage images for the month, and you may end up with an expression like our friend in a deckchair in front of painted sea. Hold tight. The thread starts today:
1. Woman in a deckchair.
Cheers, T.
1. Woman in a deckchair.
Cheers, T.
December 19, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Totally delightful - and richer by the day
1999 - and every face white.
One of those promos the BBC used to be so good at making. A raft of comedy talent on display here
December 18, 2025 at 8:03 PM
1999 - and every face white.
Really excellent archive, Simon - many thanks.
#OTD - 17 Dec 1949 - BBC Television expanded to The Midlands, with the Sutton Coldfield transmitter being the first to broadcast outside of London and the world's most powerful at the time.
Sylvia Peter's in-vision continuity was superb for 1949!
Sylvia Peter's in-vision continuity was superb for 1949!
Opening of BBC Television Transmitter - Sutton Coldfield
On December 17, 1949, the transmitter at Sutton Coldfield became the first television transmitter to broadcast outside London and the Home Counties, bringing BBC Television to viewers outside of the…
buff.ly
December 17, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Really excellent archive, Simon - many thanks.
Reposted by Illuminations
Devastated to hear of the passing of Sir Humphrey Burton at 94. What a career, and so well loved by his peers. Someone who for me was the beating heart of public service and changed television for the better. Here's my tribute to him on his 90th. cstonline.net/the-five-deg...
THE FIVE DEGREES OF HUMPHREY BURTON by Ian Greaves
Sir Humphrey Burton, 90 in March and now publishing his long-awaited autobiography In My Own Time, is that rare beast: a television executive liked by programme-makers. Twice the Head of BBC TV’s…
cstonline.net
December 17, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Devastated to hear of the passing of Sir Humphrey Burton at 94. What a career, and so well loved by his peers. Someone who for me was the beating heart of public service and changed television for the better. Here's my tribute to him on his 90th. cstonline.net/the-five-deg...
Another week of OTD reprises, running up to Christmas with early television in 1928, 1936, 1937 and 1938.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/otd-in-early...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/otd-in-early...
OTD in early British television reprises - Illuminations
John Wyver writes: Once again, since I have contributed here more than a year of near-daily posts recognising ‘on this day’ events in the first decade of British television, I am now contributing a we...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk
December 17, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Another week of OTD reprises, running up to Christmas with early television in 1928, 1936, 1937 and 1938.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/otd-in-early...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/otd-in-early...
Aiming to be up at 5am for the #Ashes - what surprises await? England already bowled out? Australia 280 for 1? Will it all be over by then (if it's not now)? Join me then...
December 16, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Aiming to be up at 5am for the #Ashes - what surprises await? England already bowled out? Australia 280 for 1? Will it all be over by then (if it's not now)? Join me then...
Reposted by Illuminations
Performance, politics and painting
My visit to the troubled Louvre to see the glorious Jacques-Louis David exhibition, about which I posted Saturday, prompted me to return to Leslie Megahey‘s 1986 film on the artist, The Passing Show. For more:
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/performance-...
My visit to the troubled Louvre to see the glorious Jacques-Louis David exhibition, about which I posted Saturday, prompted me to return to Leslie Megahey‘s 1986 film on the artist, The Passing Show. For more:
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/performance-...
Performance, politics and painting - Illuminations
John Wyver writes: My visit to the troubled Louvre on Friday to see the glorious Jacques-Louis David exhibition, about which I posted on Saturday, prompted me to return to Leslie Megahey‘s 1986 film a...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk
December 16, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Performance, politics and painting
My visit to the troubled Louvre to see the glorious Jacques-Louis David exhibition, about which I posted Saturday, prompted me to return to Leslie Megahey‘s 1986 film on the artist, The Passing Show. For more:
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/performance-...
My visit to the troubled Louvre to see the glorious Jacques-Louis David exhibition, about which I posted Saturday, prompted me to return to Leslie Megahey‘s 1986 film on the artist, The Passing Show. For more:
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/performance-...
Performance, politics and painting
My visit to the troubled Louvre to see the glorious Jacques-Louis David exhibition, about which I posted Saturday, prompted me to return to Leslie Megahey‘s 1986 film on the artist, The Passing Show. For more:
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/performance-...
My visit to the troubled Louvre to see the glorious Jacques-Louis David exhibition, about which I posted Saturday, prompted me to return to Leslie Megahey‘s 1986 film on the artist, The Passing Show. For more:
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/performance-...
Performance, politics and painting - Illuminations
John Wyver writes: My visit to the troubled Louvre on Friday to see the glorious Jacques-Louis David exhibition, about which I posted on Saturday, prompted me to return to Leslie Megahey‘s 1986 film a...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk
December 16, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Performance, politics and painting
My visit to the troubled Louvre to see the glorious Jacques-Louis David exhibition, about which I posted Saturday, prompted me to return to Leslie Megahey‘s 1986 film on the artist, The Passing Show. For more:
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/performance-...
My visit to the troubled Louvre to see the glorious Jacques-Louis David exhibition, about which I posted Saturday, prompted me to return to Leslie Megahey‘s 1986 film on the artist, The Passing Show. For more:
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/performance-...