An original prototype BBC-1 mirror globe model in action

This is a genuine ex-BBC prototype of the famous mirror globe symbol as used by BBC-1 from 1969 through to 1985. It demonstrates what the globes actually looked (and sounded) like "in the flesh"; the real symbols that were used on air were the same size and used the same principle of an internally-lit globe reflecting onto a curved mirror.

Many thanks to my friend Lucy for letting me borrow it for a while :)

Sorry that the quality isn't everything it could be, but it's sourced from a RealVideo encode I did about 6 years ago. I may still have the original DV footage somewhere; if I find it I'll upload it in place of this.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• BBC
• globe
• continuity
• presentation
• ident
• archive
• TV
• 1970s

[spig021]

Can you tell me, is the light in the globe, a yellow colour or white, also what software & method did you use to colourise this?

[dunebasher1971]

@spig021 I think it's a normal white bulb, but the resin-like material that the globe is made out of has a yellowy tinge to it. As mentioned in the text overlays, I used Adobe Premiere to colourise it. I can't remember exactly which filters I used though, possibly Colour Replace. I did this about 7-8 years ago, so I'm afraid I don't remember too many details.

[indiana1977]

This is wonderful, thanks for sharing. I wonder if this prototype didn't make it because it was so noisy!

[dunebasher1971]

@indiana1977 The on-air models made pretty much the same noise. It didn't matter how noisy they were because they were all housed in a stack in a separate room.

[fraserkatie]

What does your friend Lucy do at the BBC?

[SlimeAmTheBest]

yep, when you were creative when you weren't in an environment to produce cgi 3d models.

[RobRobintv]

I WANT ONE!!!!!

[Flickyhecky]

I love they way it goes from a model to a full blown continuity annoucement!

[fraserkatie]

Loving the model! Is this the real thing from the "Noddy" cabinet? What does your friend Lucy do?

[PolyBrow]

@nicolaj0154: Err, no. Look at sites such as TV Ark or TV Room and you'll find the colours here are fully accurate.