BBC2 Ident1976
Out went the cube in the early seventies to coincide with BBC1's new globe. Apparently the model now sits in the corridors of Television Centre, as a coin-operated visitor attraction.
Second clip is from 17th October 1977.
BBC2's 1974 ident has often been thought of as two cylinders spinning in opposite directions, each with alternate lines painted on. But it was more complicated than that. As our photographs show, the model comprised 23 stacked discs, each with one line of the 2. Every other line spun in the opposite direction to achieve the visual effect. (Many thanks to Kirk Northrop & The National Media Museum for the photographs.)
So what did it look like? Click on these images below for larger pictures. The mechanical symbol is now being held at the National Media Museum in Bradford, where you can see it for yourself.
1974
BBC2 Clock1974
The clock was similar to its predecessor but noteably minus the "COLOUR". The music at the start of the clip is from a preceding interval; Andy Cartledge introduces "Play School".1975
1976
BBC2 Christmas Ident1976
During the mechanical age it was very unusual for Christmas idents not to have a revolving element of some kind. But for 1976 BBC2 threw caution to the wind and gave us a psychadelic version of the usual "2", with a kaleidoscope of colours. Recovered from Super 8 footage; hence no audio.1977
BBC2 Start-Upc1977
Starting the day the BBC2 way. Sadly, the beginning of the start-up sequence is missing.
BBC2 Closedownlate 1970s
Peter Bolgar tells us that “It’s definitely time for bed at 9 minutes past 1.”
BBC2 Open Space Ident1977
A clever variation of the usual sequence used to introduce "Open Space", the community magazine. The 2 spins out but instead of reforming, it becomes a map of the UK. Recovered from Super 8 footage.
BBC2 Christmas Ident1977
While BBC1's Christmas pudding was fondly remembered, less so was its counterpart on BBC2. This year a stylised red 2 encased a shimmering emerald as it spun round. We are pleased to present the clip in its full glory this year; apologies for the BITC, but it does not obscure any of the picture and this is believed to be the only recording of the ident the BBC still has.
1978
BBC2 Ident1978
An unusual variant of the cylindrical 2. The symbol sports the usual colours but the background is black - was this deliberate or did someone make a mistake in NC2?
BBC2 Christmas Ident1978
Four medieval trumpeters herald the season and, what from next year will be BBC2's new logo.
(sorry no video at present)