Authenticity, alterations and museum objects: A close encounter with 2LO, the BBC’s first radio transmitter

Resource type
Journal article
Creator (person)
Hess, Alison
Date published
September 2017
Abstract
In 1922, the BBC broadcast its first radio programme using a hastily improved transmitter with the call sign 2LO. Over 90 years later, this transmitter was acquired by the Science Museum and moved to its storerooms in Kensington. There is no dispute that this is the same transmitter, an ‘icon of broadcasting history’, but under closer inspection it was clear that it had also changed in many ways. Through a close encounter with the 2LO transmitter, this article engages with the materiality of museum objects, and particularly heritage technology collections. By taking note of wear and tear, the missing pieces and later alterations, this article considers authenticity and the relationship between meaning and materiality. It also considers the value of museum objects as sources and how material evidence can enrich a historical narrative.
Funder
Funder nameAwards
Arts and Humanities Research Council
Collaborative Doctoral Award
Journal title
Journal of Material Culture
Volume
22
Issue
3
Publisher
SAGE Publications
ISSN
1359-1835
eISSN
1460-3586
Official URL
Licence
DOI