APTS Archive

~ Preserving the televisual past for the digital future ~ Official Twitter channel of the Alexandra Palace Television Society. All enquiries to [email protected]

[APTS Archive @APTSArchive]

The Desmond Campbell Collection contains over 1,200 photos of BBC TV from 1937 to 1951.
Campbell stored the negs in his garden shed for many years, where they deteriorated.
APTS has restored these images over several years - this channel is the result.

[APTS Archive @APTSArchive]

@czopanser That’s brilliant. Thank you for posting.

[APTS Archive @APTSArchive]

Dutch soldier Arie van den Dool shot this 8mm film as part of his "Visit to England” in 1946.
This wonderful film shows announcer Winifred Shotter & gardener Fred Streeter for his programme "In The Garden".
The willow tree is still in Alexandra Park, but sadly not the garden.

[APTS Archive @APTSArchive]

https://t.co/onbXcu5ni9

[APTS Archive @APTSArchive]

A double anniversary today
#OTD 1st June 1946 - Radio licence increased to £1, while a combined television and radio licence was introduced at £2.
#OTD 1st June 1954 - The combined television and radio licence increased to £3, the radio only licence remained £1.

[filmisfabulous @filmisfabulous]

Upcoming Film Convention

The Film is Fabulous! team are delighted to participate in the 50th British Film Collectors’ Convention, which will be held at The Barn Theatre, 25 Bluehouse Lane, Oxted, on Saturday 30th May 2026.

[APTS Archive @APTSArchive]

#OTD - 21 May 1950
BBC Newsreel reported on the BBC's first day at Lime Grove, the former Gainsborough film studios, which was the new home of Children's Hour
#LimeGroveStudios #LimeGrove #BBCTelevision #ChildrensHour #VioletAttlee #BBCNewsreel

[filmisfabulous @filmisfabulous]

Thanks For Your Support!

Archive legend, and trustee of the Film is Fabulous! Trust, Sue Malden, has offered her sincere thanks to everyone who has supported the team with donations, pledges, and positive messages.

[🇬🇧📺 Classic British TV 📺🇬🇧 @Classicbritcom]

Today marks 100 years since the birth of the legendary Eric Morecambe, the late comedian, actor, entertainer, and singer. May he continue to bring joy and laughter from beyond the grave. Rest in peace Eric. 🌟🙏

[filmisfabulous @filmisfabulous]

Support Our Initiative

Film is Fabulous! is a charitable trust. Its primary aim is to ensure that vulnerable film collections held privately in the U.K. are preserved when film collectors, and former industry professionals, pass away.

https://t.co/xEVsJg1MMd

[APTS Archive @APTSArchive]

#OTD 12 May 1937 - Coronation of #KingGeorgeVI & #QueenElizabethTheQueenMother.
Film from BBC Film Unit & film recorded from TV screen by Mr J.E. Davies, an amateur film enthusiast & an employee of the Marconi Company.
Documents from #DHMunro files held in APTS Archive.

[filmisfabulous @filmisfabulous]

The Morecambe and Wise Show

This Thursday, 14th May, is the centenary of Eric Morecambe’s birth. To celebrate, the missing episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show found by Film is Fabulous! will be broadcast on BBC 4, and released on BBC iPlayer from 8pm.

[filmisfabulous @filmisfabulous]

A long-lost 1968 edition of The Morecambe & Wise Show recovered by Film is Fabulous! will be shown on BBC4 @BBCiPlayer on 14th May 2026. The episode features the duo's beloved co-star Ann Hamilton, who has shared her memories in this exclusive interview https://t.co/Rmd0yNkLIE

[APTS Archive @APTSArchive]

Happy 100th Birthday Sir David Attenborough.
David Attenborough was born on 8 May 1926. He is a renowned broadcaster, biologist and natural historian whose landmark BBC documentaries, including Life on Earth and Planet Earth, transformed wildlife filmmaking and raised global awareness of conservation and climate change.

[filmisfabulous @filmisfabulous]

New ‘Cutting Copies’ Research

Film is Fabulous! and De Montfort University are engaged in research relating to ‘Cutting Copies’. Prof. Justin Smith and a small team are looking into the processes at BBC Enterprises, with support from the BBC Archives.

https://t.co/EyxoG0QxMB

[filmisfabulous @filmisfabulous]

The recovery of a 1968 The Morecambe & Wise Show by Film is Fabulous! was discussed on today's @BBCBreakfast A @bbcemt report featuring Professor Justin Smith was followed by a live studio interview with The Paper Dolls singer @SusieMathis Find out more: https://t.co/Rmd0yNkLIE

[filmisfabulous @filmisfabulous]

"I can't believe it!" Here's the moment @SusieMathis lead singer of 60s pop trio #ThePaperDolls discovered @filmisfabulous has found the group's long-lost appearance on The Morecambe & Wise Show. Today is Susie's birthday 🎁 Read our exclusive interview https://t.co/Rmd0yNkLIE

[filmisfabulous @filmisfabulous]

BBC East Midlands Today

A recent 'Morecambe and Wise' recovery, by Film Is Fabulous!, was featured on the 'BBC East Midlands Today' regional news programme.

Watch it here

https://t.co/vn3tmzGfJT

[filmisfabulous @filmisfabulous]

Film is Fabulous! has recovered a missing episode of The Morecambe And Wise Show. The episode forms part of the comedy duo’s first series for the BBC. The recovery is timely, as it will help mark Eric Morecambe’s centenary celebrations on 14th May, 2026.

[APTS Archive @APTSArchive]

@WintersFriends Featuring an endorsement by Michael Miles from ITV’s “Take Your Pick”.
The programme began one day after the launch of ITV in September 1955, where it continued until 1968.
It was the first game show broadcast in the UK to offer cash prizes.

[APTS Archive @APTSArchive]

@RadioToday Great news @malprin, yet another reason to listen to the wonderful @BoomRadioUK

[APTS Archive @APTSArchive]

@OldRoberts953 Shame the article is behind a paywall!