APTS Archive
@aptsarchive.bsky.social
~ Preserving the televisual past for the digital future ~
Official channel of the Alexandra Palace Television Society.
All enquiries to apts@apts.org.uk
Official channel of the Alexandra Palace Television Society.
All enquiries to apts@apts.org.uk
#OTD - 30 Jan 1937
The last transmission using the Baird system to be transmitted from Alexandra Palace.
The final programme was "Cabaret".
The programme ran from 9:38 to 10:03 and suffered several technical difficulties throughout the programme.
The last transmission using the Baird system to be transmitted from Alexandra Palace.
The final programme was "Cabaret".
The programme ran from 9:38 to 10:03 and suffered several technical difficulties throughout the programme.
January 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM
#OTD - 30 Jan 1937
The last transmission using the Baird system to be transmitted from Alexandra Palace.
The final programme was "Cabaret".
The programme ran from 9:38 to 10:03 and suffered several technical difficulties throughout the programme.
The last transmission using the Baird system to be transmitted from Alexandra Palace.
The final programme was "Cabaret".
The programme ran from 9:38 to 10:03 and suffered several technical difficulties throughout the programme.
#OTD - 30-31 January 1957.
On this day, spanning 30-31 January 1957, a notable colour broadcast demonstration took place for a sizable gathering of both Houses of Parliament members, using six television sets positioned in a chamber within the House of Lords.
On this day, spanning 30-31 January 1957, a notable colour broadcast demonstration took place for a sizable gathering of both Houses of Parliament members, using six television sets positioned in a chamber within the House of Lords.
January 30, 2026 at 10:01 AM
#OTD - 30-31 January 1957.
On this day, spanning 30-31 January 1957, a notable colour broadcast demonstration took place for a sizable gathering of both Houses of Parliament members, using six television sets positioned in a chamber within the House of Lords.
On this day, spanning 30-31 January 1957, a notable colour broadcast demonstration took place for a sizable gathering of both Houses of Parliament members, using six television sets positioned in a chamber within the House of Lords.
#OTD - 29 January 1939 - "Television Surveys No 2: The #InternationalTelephoneExchange".
OB from #FaradayBuildings, London.
The 25 min programme featured interviews by #LeslieMitchell, with Mr Thwaites (Chief Superintendent), Miss Pagel & Miss Spinks (Supervisors).
OB from #FaradayBuildings, London.
The 25 min programme featured interviews by #LeslieMitchell, with Mr Thwaites (Chief Superintendent), Miss Pagel & Miss Spinks (Supervisors).
January 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM
#OTD - 29 January 1939 - "Television Surveys No 2: The #InternationalTelephoneExchange".
OB from #FaradayBuildings, London.
The 25 min programme featured interviews by #LeslieMitchell, with Mr Thwaites (Chief Superintendent), Miss Pagel & Miss Spinks (Supervisors).
OB from #FaradayBuildings, London.
The 25 min programme featured interviews by #LeslieMitchell, with Mr Thwaites (Chief Superintendent), Miss Pagel & Miss Spinks (Supervisors).
#OTD - 26 Jan
#JohnLogieBaird successfully demonstrated his mechanical #television system able to show a human face, at 22 Frith Street, Soho.
Today 100 years later an event will be held at the same location to commemorate the anniversary with JLB's grandson.
[AI image from an original photograph]
#JohnLogieBaird successfully demonstrated his mechanical #television system able to show a human face, at 22 Frith Street, Soho.
Today 100 years later an event will be held at the same location to commemorate the anniversary with JLB's grandson.
[AI image from an original photograph]
January 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM
#OTD - 26 Jan
#JohnLogieBaird successfully demonstrated his mechanical #television system able to show a human face, at 22 Frith Street, Soho.
Today 100 years later an event will be held at the same location to commemorate the anniversary with JLB's grandson.
[AI image from an original photograph]
#JohnLogieBaird successfully demonstrated his mechanical #television system able to show a human face, at 22 Frith Street, Soho.
Today 100 years later an event will be held at the same location to commemorate the anniversary with JLB's grandson.
[AI image from an original photograph]
The masterful work on pre-war television was published on 8th January. Written by my friend John Wyver, it is set to become the authority on early television. The book is thoroughly researched, well-written, and delighted that APTS contributed some images.
January 12, 2026 at 10:00 AM
The masterful work on pre-war television was published on 8th January. Written by my friend John Wyver, it is set to become the authority on early television. The book is thoroughly researched, well-written, and delighted that APTS contributed some images.
#OTD - The Open University television broadcasts begin at 1100 on BBC 2. After an introduction, the first programme is about mathematics.
Planning commenced in 1965, under the Minister of Education Jennie Lee. The university was granted a royal charter by the Privy Council on 23 April 1969.
Planning commenced in 1965, under the Minister of Education Jennie Lee. The university was granted a royal charter by the Privy Council on 23 April 1969.
January 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM
#OTD - The Open University television broadcasts begin at 1100 on BBC 2. After an introduction, the first programme is about mathematics.
Planning commenced in 1965, under the Minister of Education Jennie Lee. The university was granted a royal charter by the Privy Council on 23 April 1969.
Planning commenced in 1965, under the Minister of Education Jennie Lee. The university was granted a royal charter by the Privy Council on 23 April 1969.
All best wishes for a healthy and happy 2026 from the Alexandra Palace Television Society
December 31, 2025 at 12:01 PM
All best wishes for a healthy and happy 2026 from the Alexandra Palace Television Society
With best wishes for a Merry Christmas 2025 and for the year ahead.
Thank you for your continued support of our social media channels during the past year.
We hope 2026 will see the APTS website back online again, with access to our unique Desmond Campbell collection of photographs and cine films.
Thank you for your continued support of our social media channels during the past year.
We hope 2026 will see the APTS website back online again, with access to our unique Desmond Campbell collection of photographs and cine films.
December 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM
With best wishes for a Merry Christmas 2025 and for the year ahead.
Thank you for your continued support of our social media channels during the past year.
We hope 2026 will see the APTS website back online again, with access to our unique Desmond Campbell collection of photographs and cine films.
Thank you for your continued support of our social media channels during the past year.
We hope 2026 will see the APTS website back online again, with access to our unique Desmond Campbell collection of photographs and cine films.
A recent digital addition to the APTS Archive is a fascinating diary from the Lines Termination Room at Alexandra Palace - Oct 1937 to Oct 1938. Contains 40 pages of notes on equipment usage, operation times, & faults, also early mention of BBC engineer Mr. Harry Rantzen, father of @ERantzen.
December 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM
A recent digital addition to the APTS Archive is a fascinating diary from the Lines Termination Room at Alexandra Palace - Oct 1937 to Oct 1938. Contains 40 pages of notes on equipment usage, operation times, & faults, also early mention of BBC engineer Mr. Harry Rantzen, father of @ERantzen.
#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.