Main part of Marconi 1.5KW transmitter from 2LO

Main part of Marconi 1.5kW transmitter (minus central rack), 1922, used by the BBC London station 2LO between 1922 and 1925, as rebuilt c.1954.

The BBC was formed in 1922 by a group of wireless manufacturers, including those from Marconi’s Wireless Telegraphy Company Limited. In the early days, the BBC was known as the Broadcasting Company and not yet a Corporation.

The first daily radio service in London was from the 2LO station, which operated using this transmitter. Originally three transmitters were designed, but it was the 1.5kW transmitter that was advanced enough for the job when 2LO first broadcast to the public on 14th November 1922. The first words heard on that night in November were “this is 2LO calling,” and so the BBC was born. The transmitter then remained in service at the BBC from November 1922 to April 1925 before being replaced.

Both H. J. Round and C. S. Franklin worked on the transmitter.