Ekco AD65 (Wells Coates)

The history of radio could not be written without the efforts of those relatively few people who had the ability to recognise the potential of what would otherwise have remained either academic and without practical purpose or simply scientific curiosities. Elsewhere on this site, the technical aspects of radio development such as the work of Marconi and other early pioneers have been discussed. (See 'History')

But there is another side - in fact, many sides - to the subject.

Here, on these pages, is a small selection of people who, in their very different ways, made an enormous contribution to the advancement of radio and television in Great Britain. This should not be accepted as being in any way a thorough examination of their achievements nor should it be assumed that there are no others worthy of such discussion. Far from it! These simply happen to be particular favourites of mine, and I make no apology for their inclusion or, for that matter, the exclusion of others (in any case, more may be added to these pages).

On the subject of inclusion, despite television not being the main concern of this website, I could not leave out the amazing John Logie Baird. 

F.J. Camm made his personal contribution not by inventing but by his unique written output as an editor, an authority and a technical author. He encouraged and inspired with his designs for home building, especially in the earlier years. So important was his work that I feel justified in extending my coverage to look more closely at his approach to radio construction in the early 1930s Practical Wireless magazine.

Wells Coates was an architect and designer of great brilliance and natural artistry who contributed much to the quality of visual design employed in the Bakelite cabinets of the Ekco Radio Company.

Pictured left is Coates' now famous 'Round EKCO' - the first of several round cabinet designs he produced for the company.

Access more about these special people by clicking on the top links

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