Clothes-Line
First TV programme on fashion history, live in 1937.
In the autumn of 1937, the BBC aired Clothes-Line, a six-part live television series. It holds the distinction of being the first TV programme to explore fashion history. Mary Adams produced the show, which was co-hosted by fashion historian James Laver and Pearl "Polly" Binder.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Documentary, Fashion
- Creator
- Mary Adams
- Presenter
- James Laver and Pearl Binder
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Language
- English
- Network
- BBC Television Service
- First aired
- 30 September 1937
- Last aired
- 9 December 1937
Facts from the source article.
Concept
Clothes-Line used live models wearing original costumes from C. Willett Cunnington’s collection to trace fashion history. James Laver supplied verse commentary on the garments, and Pearl Binder produced lightning sketches and illustrations at an easel. After the first episode aired, The Listener noted that viewers were unsure if they had watched a poetry reading, an artist’s display, or a mannequin parade. The publication acknowledged that the programme blended all three elements to create a new television format.
Controversies
Clothes-Line might have been the first TV show to present a heavily pregnant host. Pearl Binder was expecting her first child when the series was being planned, and the producers deliberately kept her on screen. As her pregnancy advanced and she needed to move farther from her drawing board, the BBC grew uneasy about how obvious her condition had become. Binder’s daughter Josephine arrived on 6 January 1938, nearly a month after the final broadcast. That last episode, titled Grandmamma Looks Back, went out on 9 December 1937. It included a backless evening gown worn by actress Micheline Patton, and the camera angle from behind sparked complaints that she was appearing nude. According to Binder’s diary, upset viewers wrote in to protest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which network aired Clothes-Line?
Clothes-Line aired on BBC Television Service.
When did Clothes-Line first air?
Clothes-Line first aired on 30 September 1937.
More in BBC Television Service Original Programming
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