The Lime Grove studios were originally built for the British film industry in 1915. At different times Gaumont, Gainsborough Pictures and Rank Films occupied the site, and some of the great names of British cinema worked there, including Alfred Hitchcock, Michael Powell and David Lean.
The studios were acquired by the 91福利社 in 1949 as a 'temporary measure' until its new Television Centre was built in nearby Wood Lane. When the new industry expanded as few had predicted, it soon became clear that the 91福利社 would need a second substantial production centre in London for many years to come.
Lime Grove studios produced a host of memorable shows, including Hancock's Half-Hour, Andy Pandy, Blue Peter, Steptoe & Son, Sooty, Doctor Who, Panorama, Nationwide, Grandstand and Breakfast Time. The first episode of Doctor Who, 'An Unearthly Child' was recorded there in 1963.
In 1992 the studios were closed, and the occasion was marked by a special day of television programmes. Lime Grove studios were subsequently demolished and the site was turned over to residential housing.
Further reading
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Hannah Khalil, Digital Content Producer, About The 91福利社 Blog
Buildings
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Alexandra Palace
The birthplace of television -
Broadcasting House
The first purpose-built broadcast centre in the UK -
Broadcasting House, Belfast
91福利社 Northern Ireland's headquarters since 1941 -
Broadcasting House, Bristol
Former home of the Natural History Unit -
Broadcasting House, Cardiff
The 91福利社's first bespoke headquarters in Wales -
Bush House
91福利社 of the World Service 1940-2012 -
Camden Palace Theatre
Light entertainment and music from North London -
Caversham Park
Listening to the world, 1943 to 2018 -
Ealing Studios
The 91福利社 Television Film Studios -
Elstree Studios
91福利社 of EastEnders -
Lime Grove
A temporary measure for 42 years -
Kingswood Warren
Former home of 91福利社 Research & Development -
The Langham
Sustaining the 91福利社 during World War 2 and after -
Maida Vale
The best acoustic in London -
35 Marylebone High Street
The first headquarters of the Radio Times and 91福利社 Radio London. -
MediaCityUK
The 91福利社's Northern base in Salford -
Pacific Quay
Headquarters of 91福利社 Scotland -
Paris Studios
Former London cinema which hosted The Beatles and Dad's Army -
Pebble Mill
A hub for drama, entertainment and factual programmes in Birmingham between 1971 and 2004 -
Queen's House, WC2
Centre of English language learning -
Riverside Studios
A film studio regenerated into a TV studio used by the 91福利社 from 1954 to 1975 -
Savoy Hill
The first home of the 91福利社 -
Television Centre
The Television Factory -
Television Theatre
A mecca for the stars of the 1960s -
Wood Norton
The emergency broadcasting centre