Gaumont British Picture Corporation.
Lime Grove, Shepherd's Bush, London.

Gaumont British Picture Corporation: Electronics & Media Pioneer

Established in 1898 in London, Gaumont British rapidly evolved from a photographic equipment company to a multimedia powerhouse.

By the 1930s, the corporation controlled 343 cinemas and had diversified into electronics through key subsidiaries:

Key Subsidiaries

• Bush Radio (founded 1932): Became a leading British radio and early television manufacturer
• Baird Television: Pioneered television technology, developing color and large-screen TV systems
• GB Equipments Ltd: Produced film projectors and later distributed electronic equipment.

Historical Trajectory

• 1922: Became independent under Isidore Ostrer
• 1930s: Golden era of film production, including Hitchcock classics
• 1941: Acquired by Rank Organisation

The company played a crucial role in developing British electronic and entertainment technologies, bridging film, radio, and television industries during a transformative period of technological innovation.

Origins and Early Years
Gaumont British originated as the British subsidiary of the French film studio Gaumont, founded in 1895 by engineer-turned-inventor Léon Gaumont.

The British arm was established in 1898, initially focusing on selling photographic equipment. 

In 1910, Gaumont established Graphic Studios in Shepherds Bush, London, marking its entry into film production. 

Expansion and Independence
In 1922, Isidore Ostrer, with financial backing from Ostrer Bros merchant bank, acquired control of Gaumont-British, making it independent from its French parent.

This move set the stage for significant expansion:

• By 1928, Gaumont-British had become the first large British cinema chain, controlling 180 cinemas.
• In 1929, the company expanded further, controlling up to 300 cinemas.

Diversification and Subsidiaries

GB Equipments Ltd.

GB Equipments Ltd, a subsidiary of Gaumont-British, played a crucial role in the company's diversification:

• Pre-World War II: The company manufactured 16-mm film sound projectors, including models like G.B.-Scope A and B, Grosvenor, and G.B. K and L series.
• Post-World War II: Instead of manufacturing its own models, GB Equipments Ltd began producing American Bell & Howell designs under license.
• 1950s: The company manufactured or distributed 8 mm and 16 mm cinecameras and projectors under the G.B.-Bell & Howell or Bell & Howell-Gaumont brands.
• 1955: GB Equipments Ltd expanded into office equipment, starting to distribute Dictorel dictating equipment.

Bush Radio

In 1932, Bush Radio was founded from the remains of the Amplion company, starting as a subsidiary of Gaumont British Picture Corporation. The company took its name from its location in Shepherds Bush, London, and quickly became a well-known name in early British radio and television manufacturing.

Baird Television

John Logie Baird's television company became intertwined with Gaumont British:

• 1933: Baird Television Limited faced financial difficulties, and control passed to a Gaumont British subsidiary.
• 1938: Baird Television Ltd collaborated with Gaumont-British to equip large theatres and cinemas.
• 1940: Baird Television Ltd was acquired by Cinema-Television Ltd, a part of Gaumont British.
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Golden Era of the 1930s
During this period, Gaumont-British experienced significant growth:

• Studio Expansion: In 1932, the Gaumont-British film studios were rebuilt for sound production.
• Film Production: The company produced notable films, including Alfred Hitchcock's works like "The 39 Steps" (1935) and "The Lady Vanishes" (1938).
• Cinema Chain: By the mid-1930s, Gaumont-British owned 343 cinemas across the country.
• Employment: In the 1930s, the company employed 16,000 people.

Post-War Era and Decline
In 1941, the Rank Organisation acquired Gaumont-British and its sister company Gainsborough Pictures.

This acquisition affected its subsidiaries:

• Bush Radio: In 1945, Bush passed into the hands of the Rank Organisation.
• Baird Television: By this time, it had already been acquired by Gaumont British, and thus became part of Rank's holdings.

Legacy
Gaumont British Picture Corporation played a significant role in the British film industry and contributed to the development of radio and television technology through its subsidiaries. The company's influence extended beyond film production to cinema ownership, equipment manufacturing, and technological innovation in the entertainment industry.

References:
The History of Gaumont Cinemas by Val Mansell.
Grace's Guide, accessed December 2024.