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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.
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.
T.V. Talk - LintasT.V. Talk - Lintas
Advert195420 mins
What on earth is this commercial TV business? An advertising agency takes stock
Kelloggs Corn Flakes: TeenagerKelloggs Corn Flakes: Teenager
Advert19571 mins
Teen beat commercial, directed by Joseph Losey.
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
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
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
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.
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’.
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’.
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.
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
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!
Guinness - Mr PastryGuinness - Mr Pastry
Advert19561 mins
Marvellous Mr Pastry clowns about in suitably silly style in this acrobatic mid-fifties advert for Guinness.
Heinz Baked Beans : More BeansHeinz Baked Beans : More Beans
Advert19570 mins
1950s advert for that staple of the English breakfast… Heinz Baked Beans.
Guinness Samba TimeGuinness Samba Time
Advert19571 mins
Early Guinness television advert with the iconic toucan and a famous slogan.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Liberty Foundations CommercialLiberty Foundations Commercial
Advert19562 mins Location: Market Harborough
Liberté, égalité and fraternité in corsets, girdles and bras.
Buzby - GossipBuzby - Gossip
Advert19791 mins
Buzby’s mum gossips with her neighbours over a garden fence in this cartoon ad for BT.
Buzby - PlumberBuzby - Plumber
Advert19781 mins
Oh Cribbins! BT’s avian mascot wasn’t looking to wet his beak.
Buzby - SnowmanBuzby - Snowman
Advert19781 mins
Cartoon advert for BT that will have you walking in the air.
Buzby - ScrapyardBuzby - Scrapyard
Advert19791 mins
Remember Buzby? This TV ad for telephone services features two faithful old friends and some slick character animation.