BBC21979
Television history was made in the late 1970s when BBC2's new identity was unveiled. The twin-striped "2" was the first electronically generated symbol; it scrolled on and off the screen. Until around 1983, the animation was accompanied by an electronic fanfare which you can listen to here.
BBC2 Clock1979
Although BBC2's electronic symbol was amazing viewers with its animated scroll, the technology was not yet in place for a computer-generated station clock. So the new logo was slapped on the old model for now.
Clock keyed over slide1979 The clock is keyed over a slide one closedown. At the time I was fascinated by BBC idents and despite being only seven I knew the technology existed to achieve what you see on the left. I so wanted them to create similar effects with the BBC1 globe! But while that never happened, this is the closest we got. John Glover in the chair.
BBC2 Christmas1979
The Christmas ident remained mechanical too. This one adopts the style of the clock, albeit with a revolving snowflake instead of the time. Note the faded ident - not computer graphics but good old cardboard. Clip 1 comes from a BBC Christmas tape, while clip 2 is an off-air recording from Christmas Night.
BBC2 Christmas1980 It's Christmas once again on BBC2, and it looks like they've recycled last year's snowflake. But look again. This one is more colourful, and, the Futura lettering has been borrowed from BBC1.
BBC2 Clockfrom 06.09.1980 Eventually, progress caught up with BBC2's clock and a computer generated timepiece was introduced. Much clearer, much sharper, and a second hand without that judder.
BBC2 Closedowns1981
May 13th 1981 - the day the Pope was shot. Time for some reflection at closedown, with Robin Whitting treating us to a slide montage and Pachelbel's Canon in D. Apologies for the missing end.
BBC2 Christmas1981 This year three translucent candles bring a warm glow to the links between programmes on BBC2. And for contrast, there's some holly surrounding them.
BBC2 Christmas1982
The first showing of BBC2's Christmas Trees in 1982 turned out to be a formal unveiling! The usual ident is seen first, and then fades into the festive symbol. Watch out for a brief snatch of programme menu and the first announcement of the day.
Michael Maine was BBC2's announcer for the latter part of Christmas Eve, signing off with a photo montage accompanied by an a capella version of "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear". A must for fans of Christmas magic.
BBC2 Closedown13.02.1983 BBC2 gets all loved up once again as they close down on the eve of Valentine's Day. After a run-down of tomorrow night's programmes (adorned with suitable graphics) Michael Maine plays us out with a Leo Sayer classic.
BBC2 Christmas1983 Twelve months later, and variation on a theme. The Christmas trees are now cast in holographic metal for a great visual tease. The bases of the trees are different as well.
The naked trees!
Some very rare grabs of the BBC2 Christmas Trees in their raw form, without lighting effects. Look different don't they? But no less impressive on their own. Each "tier" of the trees screwed onto each other, and the base was fixed to the glass turntable. Speculation mounted the Christmas trees were computer generated, but our photos provide conclusive proof otherwise!
BBC2 Christmas1984
A stylised "Christmas" logo spins around a bauble with the familiar "2". But you're not meant to see the turntable!
BBC2 Christmas Closedown23.12.1984 BBC2 signs off for the night. No clock so viewers were treated to the ident for a whole minute! Your announcer is John Glover, making one of his final appearances on the BBC.
Clock goes forward1985 Summer time starts here, so time for BBC2 to put its clock forward. Observe how this is achieved by fading one clock into another - the picture rolls slightly during the mix. Announcer David Wheal sympathises with viewers for losing an hour's sleep!
BBC2 Christmas1985
The end of an era for Christmas in 1985. Not only was this the channel's last mechanical ident, it was also the final one to feature the twin-striped "2". David Wheal introduces a sporting classic in the first clip, then Peter Bolgar signs off for the night on Christmas Day.
Clock goes forward1986 Two days before its decomissioning, the BBC2 clock has one last surprise for us. With British Summer Time starting, the clocks need to go forward an hour, so why not do it live on air?