How a humble inventor’s groundbreaking demonstration in 1926 shaped the future of television.
In addition to the 100th anniversary of Jones & Henry Engineers, 2026 marks a significant milestone in the world of technology and entertainment: the centennial anniversary of the first public demonstration of television by the Scottish inventor John Logie Baird. That groundbreaking event took place in Baird’s modest laboratory in Soho, London, forever changing how we consume visual media.
Baird’s invention, the “Televisor,” was remarkable for its time. Utilizing Nipkow scanning disks, he transmitted moving black-and-white images with a resolution of just 30 lines at a frame rate of five frames per second. Although the images he produced flickered and were faint, they clearly depicted a ventriloquist’s dummy named “Stooky Bill,” showcasing the potential for instantaneous, live transmission of recognizable faces. The demonstration did more than amaze the audience; it opened the floodgates for future innovations in broadcasting.
What’s even more fascinating is the ingenuity behind Baird’s prototype. Constructed from everyday items such as a tea chest, bicycle lights, darning needles, and cardboard disks, the Televisor exemplified creativity and resourcefulness. It serves as a reminder that significant innovations often come from humble beginnings, providing an inspiring lesson for aspiring inventors today.
It’s impossible to overstate the impact of Baird’s work. This significant technological milestone not only laid the groundwork for modern television but also paved the way for color broadcasting, which Baird famously demonstrated in 1928. While the BBC transitioned to an all-electronic television system in 1937, Baird’s passion for innovation did not diminish; he continued to explore and pioneer several technologies that foreshadowed our current digital landscape.
As we commemorate our own centennial, we take time to reflect on just how far the world has come since 1926. From black-and-white broadcasts in an attic workshop to the high-definition, immersive experiences we enjoy today, television has evolved into a powerful cultural force, shaping the way we connect, inform, and entertain.
100 years of innovation.
In 1926, our company’s founders laid the groundwork for what Jones & Henry Engineers has become today.
