The BBC's landmark central London premises, Broadcasting House, officially opened on 15 May 1932. It was designed by Val Myer, with the BBC's civil engineer Marmaduke Tudsbery. Together, they overcame the restrictions imposed by the location on Portland Place to create a building that contained 22 sound insulated radio studios and a concert hall, and is still in use today.
The south end of Broadcasting House, looking down regent Street, was the focal point. This was emphasised with a clock tower and a mast, and a 10 foot tall sculpture of Prospero and Ariel above the imposing main entrance. Eric Gill carved the figures on the instruction of the BBC Governors, who suggested that the spirit Ariel could serve as the personification of broadcasting. However, Gill gave Ariel stigmata, and said "in my view the figures... are as much God the father and Son as they are Shakespeare's characters."
Broadcasting House survived the war despite being hit by a bomb which killed 7 people. It was granted Grade II* listed status in 1981. At the start of the 21st century a major refurbishment of the building accompanied the development of a massive extension, by architects MJP, which fitted Broadcasting House for life in the future. It now houses BBC News, BBC Television, BBC Radio, and the World Service.
May anniversaries
Bread
1 May 1986
Top of the Form
1 May 1948
First VHF transmitter opens at Wrotham
2 May 1955
Horizon first transmitted
2 May 1964
