Concept and creative process
A specially designed BBC Test card in the 'Bat's Wings' design by Abram Games was, like the clock, an essential part of the BBC’s on-screen presence. In the early days of monochrome television the BBC test card was shown between programmes in much the same way as trails and idents are today. It was also on air when there were no programmes being transmitted, which was to help engineers correctly tune in the black and white TV picture on the home receiver. The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953 gave a huge impetus to the sales of domestic televisions. Abram Games’ design lasted until 1961.