An assistant at the world's first demonstration of television, 90 years ago, has just died

[muriel_volestrangler]

Ninety years ago, John Logie Baird became the first person to demonstrate a working television, in front of a group of 50 scientists in London. One of his colleagues who witnessed that momentous day has recounted to the BBC how the Scottish inventor changed the world.

Andy Andrews, 104, was 14 years old when he left school to work as an apprentice engineer with Baird.

The young lad from London with a "love of fixing things" told of the extraordinary impact on the audience of that 1926 demonstration.
...
*Since the publication of this article it has emerged that Mr Andrews died on Monday.*

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-38080275

Oh, man. I read through the whole article, thinking what a great guy, still giving an interesting interview about his part in history, and then I found that addendum at the end.

[Kolesar]

1. The team used the head of a mannequin with bright orange hair in their experiments.

I should come back to this thread to watch the video later today. kick

[Bucky]

5. History repeats itself

[madokie]

2. I remember our first tv.

Had to cover the windows so as to be able to see the cowboys kill the Indians. That seemed to be what so much of what was on tv back in the early 50s
I remember my half brother, Cherokee lad btw, after one of those killing the Indians shows, turn to Gene, an older brother, and say to him. Gene you get that side of the tv and I'll get this one, pointing to the side of the tv, and help me carry it outside so we can dump all them dead Indians out before they start smelling. Clifford was being sarcastic but the message was there and it stuck with me. Probably why I've not been much of a tv watcher in my 68 years.

We only had the tv for a few weeks, never did know what happened to it. I think my dad realized the power of that median and was scared what it could do. I was in Jr High before we got another tv. About the same time we got the party line Telephone. That was a blast cause three rings was us, one was one of the neighbors and two was the other and when I'd pick up the phone if I paid attention I'd hear one of the neighbors pick theirs up so as to listen in to what was being said. Those were the days. Finally figured out who it was picking up the phone and then I'd go Ms Fogleman you can hang up now and I'd hear the phone slam down then shortly hear that all too familiar click where she'd pick it back up. We got a kick out of it once we figured out what the hey. LOL

My hope is that Mr Baird crossed peacefully

[brooklynite]

3. Why does it bother you that someone died at the ripe old age of 104?

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. Because I read through the whole thing thinking he was hale and hearty

I'd even started writing the DU thread with the title ending "is still alive" (because it's amazing that someone working 90 years ago in a history-making area is still around), and then got to that final sentence.

[Kilgore]

6. The history surrounding the invention of TV is fascinating

Bairds technology based on mechanical systems was only one of many early efforts that ultimately failed. The most sucessful technology was invented by Philo Farnsworth of Idaho. His ststem is what eventually became modern TV. His life story and his battle with RCA who tried to steal the patent is fascinating history.

The book "The last lone inventor" by Schwartz is an excellent read