Items from the BBC's Radiophonic Workshop, 1963-1993. Three boxes containing various musical instruments, drumsticks, bells, gongs, recorders, etc. Plus tape splicing items & contact microphone used in the Radiophonic Workshop. There is a Fortiphone device and mouthpiece in its original box, but the model number is not clear. This is a fascinating instrument which, using a false upper palate, fitted with a transistor buzzer, takes over the duties of the human larynx. Sound produced by the buzzer or artificial voice is modulated by the movement of the lips and mouth, producing clearly intelligible words. It was originally designed by a dental surgeon.
The BBC Radiophonic Workshop was one of the sound effects units of the BBC, created in 1958 to produce incidental sounds and new music for radio and, later, television. The unit is known for its experimental and pioneering work in electronic music and music technology, as well as its popular scores for programs such as Doctor Who and Quatermass and the Pit during the 1950s and 1960s.
The original Radiophonic Workshop was based in the BBC's Maida Vale Studios in Delaware Road, Maida Vale, London. The Workshop was closed in March 1998, although much of its traditional work had already been outsourced by 1995. Its members included Daphne Oram, Delia Derbyshire, David Cain, John Baker, Paddy Kingsland, Glynis Jones, Maddalena Fagandini and Richard Yeoman-Clark.
Tape and Splicing Block from BBC Radiophonic Workshop
Splicing block with two boxes of tape and razor blade.
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'An experimental, physically modified editing block (made from two standard editing blocks) to produce long "cross-fade edits". Very difficult to use, as razor blades often just curled the edge of the tape', Dick MIlls.
Used to make music by splicing tiny pieces of tape together, an extremely time consuming method. Each length would be cut, then joined with tape to the next. A piece could take days to construct.
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Tape guide without stand used in BBC Radiophonic Workshop
Tape guide without stand, labelled, 'Do not fiddle with'. Used in BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
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'The do not fiddle with tape guide was a hefty metal stand, with a drum on the top, and it was spring-loaded, so when you put your tape loop thorugh, it would tension it for you. Producers would often absent-mindedly twist the arm round and break the spring, so someone had written on the top "do not fiddle with".' Brian Hodgson.
"Coolicon" utility lighting shade, made in England, used as a sound source by Delia Derbyshire for 'Blue Veils & Golden Sands', 1967. Used in BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
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'I like using natural sounds combined with synthesized sounds to create something that perhaps hasn't been heard before.' Delia Derbyshire.
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
‘Crystal Palace’ Capacitive Fader used in BBC Radiophonic Workshop
‘Crystal Palace’ capacitive fader designed by Dave Young. It was used in Brian Hodgson's music for 'The Machine Stops' in 1966.
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In this device, an electric motor cannibalised from a variable-speed dictation machine turns a ‘capacitive’ vane. The vane is connected to the input of a FET amplifier via the gold nib of a Conway-Stewart fountain pen. There are a series of audio inputs and outputs wired within the unit which can be configured to produce different effects. Sixteen sounds could be smoothly combined using this device, opening up the possibility of rich sound montages.
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Artificial aid to speech by Fortiphone
Artificial aid to speech by Fortiphone
Fortiphone device and mouthpiece in its original box, but the model number is not clear. This instrument uses a false upper palate, fitted with a transistor buzzer, to take over the duties of the human larynx. Sound produced by the buzzer or artificial voice is modulated by the movement of the lips and mouth, producing clearly intelligible words. It was originally designed by a dental surgeon. Part of BBC Radiophonic Workshop collection
Fortiphone device and mouthpiece, model number is not clear. Part of BBC Radiophonic Workshop collection.
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This instrument uses a false upper palate, fitted with a transistor buzzer, to take over the duties of the human larynx. Sound produced by the buzzer or artificial voice is modulated by the movement of the lips and mouth, producing clearly intelligible words. It was originally designed by a dental surgeon.
Box for Fortiphone device and mouthpiece, model number is not clear. Part of BBC Radiophonic Workshop collection.
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This instrument uses a false upper palate, fitted with a transistor buzzer, to take over the duties of the human larynx. Sound produced by the buzzer or artificial voice is modulated by the movement of the lips and mouth, producing clearly intelligible words. It was originally designed by a dental surgeon.
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Chopstick used in BBC Radiophonic Workshop
Plastic chopstick, BBC Radiophonic Workshop Collection, England, 1958 – 1998.
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This plastic chopstick is part of the objects and instruments used by BBC’s pioneer music studio, the Radiophonic Workshop which run between 1958 to 1998. Known for creating strange new sounds by using synthesizers, manipulating sound, and using everyday objects, the Radiophonic Workshop created over 100 musical pieces, with Doctor Who’s theme by Delia Derbyshire being their most famous one. Due to their constrained budget, they used all sorts of objects to make their soundscapes from more traditional ones like tambourines and bells, to chopsticks, lamps, and metal spirals.
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