Opening of Lime Grove Studios

The BBC’s Lime Grove Studios officially opened on 21 May 1950. The site was bought from Rank Film Studios to fulfil the needs of the fast expanding television service in the 1950s. Although it was later overshadowed by the purpose- built Television Centre it was a much loved creative hub, originating many important programmes and pioneering colour broadcasting.

Broadcasts from Lime Grove began with an opening ceremony performed by Mrs Clement Atlee, before Children’s Hour got underway. Ali Muffin and the Four Thieves was the first programme. The studio was a centre for children’s programmes and originated Bill and Ben, Andy Pandy and Captain Pugwash. Other programmes made at Lime Grove over the years included Doctor Who, Tonight, Nationwide, Newsnight and Panorama.

The BBC vacated Lime Grove in 1991, as they were increasingly unfit for purpose, to consolidate television production up the road in Television Centre. There is now a housing estate on the site, but it has been marked by a BBC History blue plaque. In 2011 the BBC recreated the heyday of Lime Grove with the drama The Hour, which featured a ground breaking 1950s current affairs programme like Tonight.