Testimonials

“Having been made aware of Kaleidoscope's existence some years ago by a contact at the BFI, I took advantage of their archive facility, with great help from the company's work-force. Subsequently I learned of the myriad events they organise, the work they do in sourcing archive material and finally, during 2016, discovered they are publishers too; had the pleasure of attending one of their book launches. An all-round, tip-top group of people, preserving early television material, keeping the memories alive.”

“I have worked with Chris Perry and Kaleidoscope over the last few years on a number of television archive projects. Thanks to the work that Chris and team do in recovering missing and lost programmes and also to their restoration and protection of these incredible discoveries, the contribution that Kaleidoscope have made to these projects is immense and I look forward to continuing working with them all in the future.”

“When I write articles about the rich heritage of British television I always keep the Kaleidoscope guides by my side. Painstakingly researched it gives me cast lists, air dates, alternative titles and even the archive format & status on all of British television history. Kaleidoscope is such a stickler for detail that they provide the best research tools around for this genre.”

“Chris Perry's "Kaleidoscope" organisation enjoys a unique position as the holder of "media" that larger companies have lost or deserted. There is no doubt that Kaleidoscope has saved a remarkable number of television programmes and other material and artefacts, that would have been lost for future generations without the care and enthusiasm of Chris and his team.

In addition Chris has overseen the publication of many volumes about radio and television and the history of this "new media". Kaleidoscope has given a voice to many people who worked on the setting up and operating of early television; people whose voice is very often not heard but who, as practitioners, have an inside knowledge that has been the foundation that has made Britain one of the leading exponents of the art of television.

Kaleidoscope has also spread the word about Archive and the history of the media with some remarkably popular events which have added to the general enthusiasm for archive and more importantly made archive available to a wide audience.

TV Brain is the latest innovation that will provide insight and enthusiasm. All power and good luck!”

“Kaleidoscope are the Keepers of the Flame as far as television is concerned. Their tireless search for gold from TV's past, their all-day screenings of that precious material when they've found it, their publications recording facts and figures, reminiscences and histories of the birth and growth of this extraordinary medium make them an endless source of entertainment and interest. Long may they delight the amateur historian, the happy viewer and the blissful anorak in all of us.”

"Kaleidoscope's in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for tracing long lost TV programmes is simply incredible. Their definitive library of rare and missing shows is simply essential for those in the archive television industry, like myself. Their superb, money raising efforts for The Royal National Lifeboat, and the way they have helped raise awareness of the work undertaken by the Institution is highly commendable too. Well done Chris and his team... Long may their splendid work continue."

“Kaleidoscope has made – and continues to make – a huge contribution to the investigation, preservation and appreciation of television and its culture.”

“Kaleidoscope have been a loyal and active supporter of the RNLI since 1994. Over the past 20 years, their members have not only raised over £20,000 for the lifeboat service and its volunteer crews, but they have helped to raise awareness of the work undertaken by the Institution to a wide audience both at events and online. More recently, they have worked with the RNLI’s Films and Images and Archive departments supplying footage and tracing material previously believed wiped. None of this would have been possible without them.

Whilst Kaleidoscope are based in land-locked West Midlands, the “shouts” on the coast could not take place without their help and support – we are so grateful to them for their continued support as are those whose lives have been saved thanks to them.”

“Kaleidoscope is a key organisation in the search for lost television programmes, the provision of information about television of the past and the forging of links amongst television companies, academics and TV enthusiasts.”

“Years ago, often for financial reasons, television companies wiped or recorded over iconic shows that were lost forever. Or so it seemed… Some individuals video recorded their favourite programmes. In many cases the quality was as good as the original. Lots of these tapes have been donated to Kaleidoscope making it the definitive library of rare and ‘lost’ TV shows. Now, of course, the TV companies want them back to show them again. Kaleidoscope events are a ‘must’ for people in the television industry and TV buffs.”

“Kaleidoscope saves classic British television shows which would have been lost to the nation forever. Their volunteers do it with love, professionalism and enthusiasm, at the same time managing to raise money for The Royal National Lifeboat charity too. Thanks, Kaleidoscope!”

“…a very enterprising group of people in the midlands called Kaleidoscope who specialise in looking at old programmes, getting copies that everyone thinks have long disappeared and they find them and restore them, and they do credits lists for people like me.”

“When I launched the Treasure Hunt for missing programmes from the BBC Archive nearly 15 years ago it was encouraging to know that Kaleidoscope were in the background helping and more importantly still there doing great work tracing missing TV.”

“ITV and Kaleidoscope have worked together for many years in sharing knowledge and information about ITV’s rich broadcasting history and ITV have donated archive materials to Kaleidoscope to help assist with their endeavours in preserving and exploring past British television programming. The in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm that Kaleidoscope possess, is a valuable resource not only to the broadcasting and production communities but also to anyone interested in this important area of our culture.”