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Commercial Television

The launch of ITV on 22 September 1955 brought advertising to the small screen. Commercial television spread rapidly across the country, inviting the salesperson into every living room.

This collection shows how some advertisers struggled to find the right voice and formats for the new medium, while others hit the ground running. Look out for rare examples of the shortlived 'admags' - banned in 1962 for blurring the distinction between programmes and adverts.  

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FCB TV Show No.1FCB TV Show No.1

Advert195514 mins

Dennis Price gives his best Noël Coward impersonation in an attempt to sell TV advertising to brands.

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T.V. Talk - LintasT.V. Talk - Lintas

Advert195420 mins

What on earth is this commercial TV business? An advertising agency takes stock

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Kelloggs Corn Flakes: TeenagerKelloggs Corn Flakes: Teenager

Advert19571 mins

Teen beat commercial, directed by Joseph Losey.

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Remington Four-Most Shaver Christmas CommercialRemington Four-Most Shaver Christmas Commercial

Advert19551 mins

Chock-full of 60s advert nostalgia, here is the ideal Christmas gift for every lantern-jawed Dad - the Remington Four-Most electric shaver

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Shippam's Pilchard fishermen at seaShippam's Pilchard fishermen at sea

Advert19550 mins

Pilchards are great but Cornish pilchards are even better - especially when they've been selected for Shippam's - as this advert lets you know

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Shippam's Three BeansShippam's Three Beans

Advert19551 mins

Operatic chickens, shrimps and salmon sing-a-long with a paste pot chorus in this vibrantly animated advert for Shippam's

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Bairns-Wear Wools and Woollies - For Boys and GirlsBairns-Wear Wools and Woollies - For Boys and Girls

Advert19600 mins Location: Sherwood

From a smart cricket jumper to brightly coloured woollies, Bairns-Wear suits all: from birth to teenager.

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At Home with Joy Shelton An Advertising FeatureAt Home with Joy Shelton An Advertising Feature

Advert195522 mins

Wipe your feet and enter the home of actress Joy Shelton in this early ‘ad mag’.

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Your Shopping Service (Fashion and Beauty)Your Shopping Service (Fashion and Beauty)

Advert195527 mins

Barbara Murray deftly fends off little girls while presenting this early ‘admag’.

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Heinz Soups : Tomato (No 1)Heinz Soups : Tomato (No 1)

Advert19561 mins

This very early TV ad offers horticulture, a recipe and a cartoon, all wrapped up with a catchy jingle.

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Chicken and Meat paste - Children's Tea PartyChicken and Meat paste - Children's Tea Party

Advert19551 mins

You can feed both family and guests with Shippam's meat and fish pastes - as the voice-over in this nostalgic advert gently reminds you

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Branston Pickle: Advertising AgencyBranston Pickle: Advertising Agency

Advert19570 mins

15 seconds isn't long, you've got to say Crosse and you've got to say Blackwell, and you've got to say Branston Pickle!

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Guinness - Mr PastryGuinness - Mr Pastry

Advert19561 mins

Marvellous Mr Pastry clowns about in suitably silly style in this acrobatic mid-fifties advert for Guinness.

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Heinz Baked Beans : More BeansHeinz Baked Beans : More Beans

Advert19570 mins

1950s advert for that staple of the English breakfast… Heinz Baked Beans.

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Guinness Samba TimeGuinness Samba Time

Advert19571 mins

Early Guinness television advert with the iconic toucan and a famous slogan.

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Butlin's Holiday Hotels 60 SecondsButlin's Holiday Hotels 60 Seconds

Advert19571 mins

See life from a different angle with a 1950s Butlin’s seaside holiday: there’s something for the whole family.

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Bairns-Wear Wools and Woollies - Miss Fay LintonBairns-Wear Wools and Woollies - Miss Fay Linton

Advert19581 mins Location: Sherwood

Fully fashioned twin-sets for the money conscious woman. Fashion advice courtesy of 'Miss Fay Linton'.

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Dairy Box: Skiffle CellarDairy Box: Skiffle Cellar

Advert19581 mins Location: York

Out goes the romantic gesture and in comes the hip as Una Stubbs and her fellow cats break open the chocolates in a groovy scene in a groovy club.

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Courtaulds ReelCourtaulds Reel

Advert19596 mins

“Feel terrific in Tricel.” This advertising showreel for Courtauld's fabric range offers plenty to tempt the fashion-conscious woman.

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Midland Counties Ice Cream compilationMidland Counties Ice Cream compilation

Advert19593 mins

A medley of frozen flavours in these early TV campaigns, thawed for your delight.

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Bairns-Wear Fully Fashioned KnitwearBairns-Wear Fully Fashioned Knitwear

Advert19600 mins Location: Sherwood

Looking for matching knitwear for the whole family? Bairns-Wear is the firm to choose.

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Liberty Foundations CommercialLiberty Foundations Commercial

Advert19562 mins Location: Market Harborough

Liberté, égalité and fraternité in corsets, girdles and bras.

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Buzby - GossipBuzby - Gossip

Advert19791 mins

Buzby’s mum gossips with her neighbours over a garden fence in this cartoon ad for BT.

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Buzby - PlumberBuzby - Plumber

Advert19781 mins

Oh Cribbins! BT’s avian mascot wasn’t looking to wet his beak.

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Buzby - SnowmanBuzby - Snowman

Advert19781 mins

Cartoon advert for BT that will have you walking in the air.

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Buzby - ScrapyardBuzby - Scrapyard

Advert19791 mins

Remember Buzby? This TV ad for telephone services features two faithful old friends and some slick character animation.