Retro Tech: Bush TV22

Bush TV22 1950

It’s funny how fashions change. Today the idea of a television or radio with a moulded, ‘wood effect’ plastic casing would be enough to reduce some people to tears.

Oh the horrible, plasticy shame of it. But 60 years ago it was simply marvellous, not least because it was cheaper than many of its predecessors, which came with real hardwood cabinets.

This television was launched by the British radio manufacturer Bush in 1950 – a time of post-war optimism and huge technological strides. In style, it is something of a missing link between late art deco and mid-century grooviness.

Technologically it was innovative: it was one of the first televisions to use the newly developed aluminised cathode ray tubes, which directed light from the picture out into the room, giving a brighter image.

Sure, the screen was only 9in wide, but if you wanted a bigger picture you could buy a magnification screen attachment. And many did when they gathered around the TV22 to watch the Queen’s coronation in 1953.

Posted on November 28, 2009 | Filed Under Tech