Royston Morley

Forename/s: 
Royston
Family name: 
Morley
Work area/craft/role: 
Industry: 
Interview Number: 
157
Interview Date(s): 
7 Sep 1990
Duration (mins): 
120

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Interview
Interview notes

behp0157-royston-morley-summary

[A slightly paraphrased version of Alan Lawson and Norman Swallow’s notes. DS]

Born 1912, son of Methodist minister educated at various schools according to his father’s various moves. London University degree in English. Got his first job in the BBC through a contact at London University, worked in radio and after his first six months was told by Sir John Reith that he was anow accepted onto the BBC permanent staff; he then was moved to Alexandra Palace to become a producer. Unfortunately, Royston Morley’s memory is very hazy and unreliable and he doesn’t remember much about technical details. He can remember the artists who took part in his productions. He does possess an incredible list* of his productions with details of the artists and their fees, but the list is in alphabetical order, not chronological. His recollections as a war correspondent are quite of some interest, but again there are discrepancies. I think this is purely a matter of the ageing of the mind and not a cover-up.

[*What happened to the list that is referred to is not known. DS]

Transcript
Biographical

Born 1912, son of Methodist minister educated at various schools according to his father’s various moves. London University degree in English. Got his first job in the BBC through a contact at London University, worked in radio and after his first six months was told by Sir John Reith that he was anow accepted onto the BBC permanent staff; he then was moved to Alexandra Palace to become a producer. Unfortunately, Royston Morley’s memory is very hazy and unreliable and he doesn’t remember much about technical details. He can remember the artists who took part in his productions. He does possess an incredible list* of his productions with details of the artists and their fees, but the list is in alphabetical order, not chronological. His recollections as a war correspondent are quite of some interest, but again there are discrepancies. I think this is purely a matter of the ageing of the mind and not a cover-up.D>S>