2025 marks 100 years since John Logie Baird demonstrated the world’s first working television system. 

Screen Argyll have developed a series of education events and resources to celebrate the centenary of JLB’s work. Working with Schools in Helensburgh, Bairds hometown.

Screen Argyll have delivered 3 animation workshops and delivered a talk about his work and legacy by JLB’s grandson Iain Logie Baird.

Iain developed and delivered a 20-minute illustrated talk to open sessions. 

This covered the story of the invention of Television by John Logie Baird, his early life and connections to Helensburgh, JLB’s other inventions and the legacy of his work.

Workshop 1-

Jim Parkyn created a model making workshop – creating puppets from plasticine based on Morph- the session also looked at how puppets were used in early TV including Stookie Bill and other puppets.

Students also built a miniature TV set from a foldable cardboard box with window. The small TV was the same size as the first TV sets created by JLB – students made mini puppets that were placed inside the cardboard tv and the other characters became the audience for the TV.

Workshop 2-

Students used a “CGI’ puppet of Stookie Bill that could be animated using Adobe Character Animator. The software uses motion capture and lip syncing to bring the Stookie Bill puppet to life and let them give him a voice.

Workshop 3-

Students used Keynote app on iPads to create animated presentations about JLB and his work using images and resources from The National Science and media museums collections.

Keynote is designed to be presented by the student who advances the presentation with a series of cues while working with a script or notes. This is a much more active register than playing a video and means that individuals are more involved in the work.

FEEDBACK

“The students have a better understanding of John Logie Baird’s work, the presentation by JLB’s grandson was fantastic and very informative.”

“All pupils were kept engaged throughout. It was a great experience for everyone in the room.”

“They enhanced skills in creativity, adaptability, teamwork, communication and problem solving skills throughout the lessons.”

“I thought this was a very good workshop for our young people – thank you very much!”

“Our young people now know much more about the life of John Logie Baird and his work. They enjoyed the stories about his discovery and how it all pieced together.”