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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.  

24 items in this collection

Safe and Sound

  • 1955

T.V. Talk - Lintas

  • 1954
Teen beat commercial, directed by Joseph Losey.

Kelloggs Corn Flakes: Teenager

  • 1957

Shippam's Pilchard fishermen at sea

  • 1955-01-01

Shippam's Three Beans

  • 1955-01-01
From a smart cricket jumper to brightly coloured woollies, Bairns-Wear suits all: from birth to teenager.

Bairns-Wear: Wools and Woollies

  • Sherwood
  • 1960-01-01

At Home with Joy Shelton An Advertising Feature

  • 1955

Your Shopping Service (Fashion and Beauty)

  • 1955

Heinz Soups Tomato (No 1)

  • 1956

Chicken and Meat paste - Children's Tea Party

  • 1955-01-01
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!

Branston Pickle: Advertising Agency

  • 1957

Guinness - Mr Pastry

  • 1956

Heinz Baked Beans More Beans

  • 1957
Early Guinness television advert with the iconic toucan and a famous slogan.

Guinness: Samba Time

  • 1957

Butlin's Holiday Hotels 60 Seconds

  • 1957
Fully fashioned twin-sets for the money conscious woman. Fashion advice courtesy of 'Miss Fay Linton'.

Bairns-Wear: Miss Fay Linton

  • Sherwood
  • 1958-01-01
Feel terrific in Tricel.' This advertising showreel for Courtauld's fabric range offers plenty to tempt the fashion-conscious woman.

Courtaulds Reel

  • 1959

Midland Counties Ice Cream Television Advertisements - Compilation

  • 1959
Looking for matching knitwear for the whole family? Bairns-Wear is the firm to choose.

Bairns-Wear: Fully Fashioned Knitwear

  • Sherwood
  • 1960-01-01
Liberté, égalité and fraternité in corsets, girdles and bras.

Liberty Foundations

  • Market Harborough
  • 1956-01-01

Buzby - Gossip

  • 1979

Buzby - Plumber

  • 1978

Buzby - Snowman

  • 1978

Buzby - Scrapyard

  • 1979