In 1975, the idea of video recording at home was unheard of. But a major development in TV’s history was just around the corner with the advent of Betamax.
We’re home to over three million items of historical and cultural significance. Our world-class collection encompasses iconic objects and remarkable archives in the areas of photography, cinematography, television, sound and new media. Peek behind the scenes and discover some hidden treasures…
In 1826, Niépce used his heliography process to capture the first photograph, but his pioneering work was soon to be overshadowed by the invention of the daguerreotype.
Believe it or not, this grotesque and surreal lantern slide was a favourite at Victorian magic lantern shows—the forerunner to cinema whose popularity lasted for 300 years.
Iain Logie Baird investigates the history of the most modern and largest TV factory in all of Europe—just down the road from the museum here in Bradford.
The use of photography to keep a record of criminals began in the 1840s when police forces commissioned portraits of offenders for so-called Rogues’ Galleries.
Filmed in 1915, Charles Urban’s Britain Prepared used military footage to promote British strength and determination in the war effort during the First World War.
If the latest influx of reality TV isn’t your bag, come in from the cold and work your way through 2,500 TV and film titles from the BFI National Archive.
In the final post in our series showing you how to dating your old family photographs using physical clues, Colin Harding offers some tips on how to identify postcards.
The Red Cross has done some incredible work since its formation in 1863. A look through our collection reveals just a few of its heroes.
From Victorian craze to its resuscitation by Elena Vidal and Brian May, Colin Harding traces a brief history of the stereoscope.
As the Football Association pays tribute to its founding fathers this week, we take a look at football photojournalism in our collection.
Iain Logie Baird has been researching the first time that TV was officially received outside London. What a coincidence that it was right here in Bradford.