8/1980-1

Collection

Domestic Appliances

Brief description

Wood and plastic console radio set, model A30C, designed by R.D. Russell and manufactured by Murphy Radio Ltd, 1936.

Title

A30C

Object name

radio

Object number

8/1980-1

Production person

Richard Drew Russell (designer)

Production organisation

Gordon Russell Ltd (manufacturer)
Murphy Radio Ltd (retailer)

Production date

1936 (designed)

Production place

London (designed)

Period

Twentieth century (1900-1999)

Material

wood
plastic
plywood
walnut veneer
varnish

Technique

manufactured

Physical description

Murphy A30C radiogram, with three valve mains operated supersonic heterodyne receiver. The casing of the radiogram is made from plywood, with a walnut veneer on the top and sides. The front is possibly veneered with Australian black bean wood. The radiogram has been heavily varnished.

Dimensions

Depth: 26cm
Height: 89.3cm
Width: 46cm

Website keywords

broadcast and pre-recorded entertainment

Label

Label text for the exhibition At Home with the World, Geffrye Museum (20 March 2012- 9 September 2012):

Radio

The BBC began radio broadcasting in the 1920s and listening to the wireless quickly became a mainstay of home life. 1932 saw the first Christmas message from King George V to the British Empire. Communication across vast distances was now possible and homes were connected to the world in a whole new way.