A TREASURE trove of material linked to John Logie Baird's first-ever transmission of trans-Atlantic television pictures is at risk of being exported from the UK unless a buyer can be found
A temporary export ban has been placed on the items in the hope a UK buyer can be found, but time is now running out and the artifacts, including log books, and early TV technology, could soon be taken lost to the nation.
Around £80,000 is needed to be found to buy the collection, which dates back to the 1920s when the Scottish inventor and his assistant, Benjamin Clapp developed the idea of rigging up a receiving station and television receiver in America and transmitting pictures over telephone lines
Between November 1926 and April 1927 the duo were able to send a signal from Baird's laboratories in London, to Clapp's house in Surrey and then by wireless to the East Coast of the United States of America.
It is understood that the items have been purchased by a foreign buyer, although they could remain in the UK if the asking price is met.
Culture Minister Ed Vaizey said: "Britain led the world in the development of television technology in the 1920's, all due to the pioneering work of John Logie Baird and his colleagues.
"It belongs in Britain where it would be of huge importance for the study of the history of television, and I hope a UK buyer will come forward to save it for the nation."
The decision to defer an export licence for the items followed a recommendation by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA), on the grounds that the items are closely connected with British history and national life.
RCEWA Member Christopher Rowell said: "The Columbia disc and the notes connected with this world first of a transantlantic video recording represents British ingenuity and invention at the highest level. The notes contain the first ever use of the acronym 'TV' for television.
"The excitement of the achievement rests in these objects, which we hope will remain in this country as a permanent testament to Logie Baird and his team. Their departure abroad would also be a serious loss to scholarship."
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