James Murray
Archive images of BBC TV Centre in its glory offer a tantalising glimpse into what was a glamorous new world of light entertainment
FOR THE BBC, it was the equivalent of Hollywood. Television Centre in west London was the corporation’s first purpose-built TV studios, the place where stars were born, dreams turned into reality and history was made. As it approaches its 60th anniversary, never-before-seen archive pictures paint a rich flavour of its unfolding history, nurturing creative and technical ingenuity. When it officially opened in White City on June 29, 1960, Television Centre was one of the world’s most technically advanced TV hubs, its doughnut-shaped centre, designed by Graham Dawbarn. From the air, the design appeared to resemble a question mark.
From ground-breaking election night specials through to Steptoe and Son, from Top of the Pops to Newsnight, the television studios, naturally nicknamed the Doughnut, bore witness to the changing cultural, sociological and political landscape of the country.The centre was sold for housing in 2012, but now two of the BBC’s commercial divisions are based there, including BBC Studios and BBC Studioworks, which opened its doors to production companies in 2017.
“We’re proud to be operating from one of the most iconic TV studios in the world and are committed to ensuring we remain a key contributor to the UK’s outstanding creative sector,” says Andrew Moultrie, CEO of BBC Studioworks.
LONDON CALLING Communication in such a vast building was a major headache. Switchboard operators, seen here in 1970, had a stressful job making sure callers were put through to the correct departments. Over the months and years they built up photographic memories of the numbers for each office and studio, which was vital in ensuring the smooth operation of the centre. With thousands of calls coming in every hour, needless to say quite a few went to the wrong place.
BURIED TREASURE Blue Peter presenters Peter Duncan, Simon Groom and Janet Ellis are pictured in December 1984 moving a time capsule and tree – originally planted outside TV Centre – to the Blue Peter garden. It was duly opened in the year 2000. The Blue Peter garden provided outside filming space but also helped educate youngsters about nature.
MAKING MUSIC
FEEDING THE MASSES Every day, some 4,000 meals were served in the TV Centre canteen, which meant hundreds of caterers working night and day in huge kitchens like this one to keep everyone fed and happy. Lunch with wine was served on the second floor with waitress service, an experience the producers and directors enjoyed as they chatted over projects with television stars of the day. General election nights were particularly hectic, requiring all hands on decks to make sure presenters and staff kept their stamina up.