Identity area
Reference code
Beaton/D/2/3/78
Unique identifier
GB 275 Beaton/D/2/3/78
Title
Television
Date(s)
- 1966 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
4p paper
Context area
Name of creator
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Typescript article on the nature of television. Beaton writes that, for him, the great excitement of television is the opportunity to watch human reactions that no director or actor can recreate. Television cameras expose the details of reality in way that is superior to any still-photographic essay, written interview, or radio talk, since the person in front of the camera cannot avoid revealing himself. It is for this reason that News programmes are so dramatic and preferable to serials and staged plays. Manufactured entertainment is less effective than spontaneous; watching the impromptu everyday things that people do brings "a breath of life to your room". Written for UK 'Vogue' magazine.