The University is delighted that Glasgow alumnus John Logie Baird, who demonstrated the world's first working television system, will be commemorated on one of three new 50 pence coins announced for 2021. 

The design of the new 50 pence features the inscription “John Logie Baird Television Pioneer”, accompanied by a depiction of a television mast emitting circular radio waves, along with a range of dates relating to Baird‘s discovery and developments. 

In October 1914, Baird matriculated at the University to study Electricity (Pure and Applied), Engineering and Natural Philosophy. Although entitled to sit the examinations for a BSc degree, he chose not to and left the University in March 1915.  

Baird returned to Glasgow in 1928 to give a lecture simply titled 'Television' to the University Engineering Society, which attracted an exceptional turnout. The Proceedings of the Society recorded the lecture, describing that Baird explained how the television worked, the difficulties he overcame, and the benefits of a wireless system:  

"The greatest distance that moving pictures had been sent over a bare telephone line was from London to Glasgow, but by means of wireless they had been sent across the Atlantic to America."  

The University is always delighted to see our world changing alumni celebrated for their achievements and looks forward to the unveiling of the new coin.

First published: 18 November 2020

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John Logie Baird