The office worker who became the first person ever to appear on TV

When Teinton encountered the rough state of Baird’s laboratory, he said he felt like he was running straight back down the stairs. First he had to go through wires hanging from the ceiling and scattered throughout the floor. “The device he was using at the time was a hellish scene,” Teinton said. “I mean, he had a cardboard disc with the bike lens and the things inside, all sorts of lamps, old batteries, and a very old motor that he used to avoid the disc.”

Baird sat him in front of his transmitter: a human subject that could provide the necessary movements that a stubborn, sturdy bill could not. Taington says he was beginning to feel the heat and was scared, but Baird assures him there’s nothing to worry about. “He disappeared and went to the receiver to see if he could see the photos,” recalled Teinton. “I focused, but I couldn’t stop for more than a minute due to the amazing heat from these lamps, so I pulled away.” Due to his troubles, Baird thrusts half the crown (two shillings and sixpence) into Teinton’s hands – “first TV fee,” persuading him to return to position.

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To capture the movement, Baird asked him to stick his tongue out and make a funny face. Increasingly panic, Teinton yelled at him “I’m alive.” “He cried, ‘Some seconds long, William, I was hanging in seconds if possible.’ So I really stopped until I couldn’t stop anymore.

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Taington didn’t understand what “television” meant, so Baird suggested replacing the locations. Taington was happy to run away “as he was so excited and seemed a little angry at me.” He looked down at the small tunnel and saw “a small photo on the size of 2 inches x 3 inches (5cm x 8cm).” He said: “All of a sudden, Baird’s face appeared on the screen. His eyes were closed, his mouth and movements could be seen. It wasn’t good. There was no definition there.