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Switched On

From the first radio microphones to colour TV, on-demand video and streaming, this exhibition explored how and why the world of broadcasting has changed over the last 100 years.

Missing media item.

Visitors could get involved and have a go at subtitling or work together to create their own community radio station. There was the chance to find out more about trailblazers like DJ Lepke, David Attenborough and Annie Wallace who helped make and shape the broadcast revolution. Plus, you could discover how innovations in technology have brought us closer to the action, creating shared moments and experiences for generations.

Hear Sir David Attenborough introduce the exhibition:

 

  • Free Past exhibition
    • Date: 23 July 2022 – 11 January 2023

EXPLORE OBJECTS FROM THE EXHIBITION:

Replica of 'Muffin the Mule' puppet marionette, made in 1998 for the BBC's 'Small People' children's television promotion.

© Science Museum Group Collection
EMI Emitron camera head, one of the originals used by Marconi-EMI from the beginning of the BBC's British Television Service at Alexandra Palace, 1936. Science Museum Group

Hexacopter drone kit and digital video camera, used to collect video footage for the BBC's news platforms worldwide, 2013–2016.

Science Museum Group
'LIttle Ben' in-vision clock used by the BBC in the standby studio at Lime Grove (Studio P), c.1953 Science Museum Group
Transmitting portion of the original television experimental apparatus created and used by John Logie Baird, with a dummy head of 'Stookie Bill', 1925–1926. Science Museum Group
Marconi-Sykes Magnetophone microphone, 1923. This improved microphone was so sensitive that sounds such as buzzing insects were picked up for the first time. Science Museum Group
Lip microphone Type L1, specially designed by the BBC and manufactured by Marconi, 1937. Science Museum Group Collection
Open University McArthur microscope, part of the first Science Home Experiment Kit that was mailed to students on the OU Science foundation course S100. Science Museum Group
Philips portable transistor radio, engraved as BBC property. The label suggests it was used by "Overseas & Foreign Relations". Science Museum Group
British Wireless for the Blind Fund radio receiver, provided on free loan to blind people by the charity, c.1935 Science Museum Group

 

Switched On is part of Broadcast 100, a bumper year of exhibitions and events across the Science Museum Group to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the BBC and the 40th anniversary of Channel 4.

 

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