On 29th June Television Centre celebrates its 60th anniversary. To mark the occasion the BBC has released previously unseen images to celebrate “the Hollywood of television.”
TVC was designed by Graham Dawbarn and when it officially opened on 29 June 1960 it was the first purpose-built centre for television production to be conceived, and one of the largest and most technically advanced production hubs in the world.
The images have ben restored by the BBC Photo Archive team and include never before seen photographs documenting the art of programme-making at Television Centre over the years. They include rare backstage views of the likes of Dad’s Army, Top Of The Pops, Newsnight, Strictly Come Dancing and Blue Peter.
Television Centre was sold by the BBC in 2012. However, BBC Studios, the BBC’s principle commercial arm, moved into the re-modelled Stage 6 section of the building in 2015, and BBC Studioworks, the studio operating arm of the BBC, redeveloped Studios 1, 2 and 3, and reopened the doors to all the major broadcasters and production companies in 2017.
Andrew Moultrie, CEO of BBC Studioworks, said: “Our Television Centre facility is thriving and remains dedicated to what it has always been famous for – creating unforgettable television. Our studios have retained their rich heritage with original features preserved in their design, but they’ve been advanced and upgraded with leading technology and ancillary facilities, providing a premium hub that’s fit for production today and for many years to come. We’re proud to be operating from one of the most iconic TV studio locations in the world and are committed to ensuring we remain a key contributor to the UK’s outstanding creative sector.”
You can find more details about the BBC Television Centre archive here.
