Burne-Jones & Co. Ltd.
Moniford Place, Kennington London SE1 (1923 - 1924)
288 Borough High Street, SE1 (1925)
Magnum House, 296 Borough High Street, London SE1 (1930)
Magnum House, 309-317 Borough High St., London SE1 (1935 -1947)
18 Brunswick Road, Sutton, Surrey (1959)

Brand: Magnum

Burne-Jones & Co. Ltd.: A Legacy of Innovation and Social Responsibility (1923-1972)

Starting small in 1923, Burne-Jones rose from making radio parts (like "Magnum" resistors) to become a leader in quality receivers and innovation. They even championed accessibility with special radio sets for the blind, supported by Winston Churchill in 1929. But Burne-Jones wasn't all business – they offered luxury yacht radios and home cinema accessories too! A possible descendant, Peter Burne-Jones, even invented the "BJ Arm" for record players. Despite challenges, their legacy of quality radio for homes and yachts – and social responsibility – lives on.

From Humble Beginnings to Complete Sets (1923-1929):

Burne-Jones started by making components, with their "Magnum" resistors becoming a hit for simplifying radio control panels.  This focus on user-friendliness became a hallmark. By 1926, their ambition grew, and they began offering complete radio receivers, showcasing their ability to navigate the entire production chain. Articles in publications like "Amateur Wireless" praised their innovative approach. In 1925 they applied for the “Magnum” trademark. [1]

Champions of Accessibility: The Wireless for the Blind (1929-1933):

A defining moment arrived in 1929.  Spearheaded by Winston Churchill, a national campaign aimed to provide free radio sets for the blind. Burne-Jones secured the contract to manufacture a staggering 6,000 crystal radio receivers, specially designed for ease of use. This project not only showcased their social responsibility but also thrust them into the national spotlight. [2] Articles lauded their rise from a "small way" component manufacturer to a reliable and high-quality producer, with production exceeding 30,000 sets by 1937. [3]

Growth and Innovation (1930-1935):

By 1930, Burne-Jones was a prominent player.  They flourished, with sub-contractors helping to fulfill the "Wireless for the Blind" orders. Innovation continued with new products like slow-motion dials and IF transformers, catering to the growing demand for complete sets and hobbyists building their own equipment. Interestingly, a 1934 article in "Practical Mechanics" reveals their "Magnum Cine" brand, offering innovative home cinema accessories like the "Clue Pilot" for easier projector control and the "Cine Tinter" to add color to films. [4]

Luxury at Sea: The Magnum Yacht Receiver (1933):

While accessibility remained important, Burne-Jones also explored the luxury market. In 1933, they unveiled the "Magnum Yacht Receiver," a feature-rich, three-valve radio system designed specifically for maritime use. This luxurious package boasted a high-quality sound, a directional aerial, a gramophone player, and a watertight battery case, all housed in solid oak. [5]

Expansion and the BJ Arm (1935-1972):

Their success necessitated a move to larger premises in 1935.  The story extends beyond the company itself. Peter Burne-Jones, possibly a descendant of the founder, made a significant contribution in the 1950s with the invention of the BJ Arm. This revolutionary record player technology minimized tracking errors but ultimately faced limitations due to complexity and cost. [6]  In 1959, they even offered two high-frequency speaker options: the "Treble 20" for even sound distribution and the "Treble Twin" for a wider sound beam. [7]

Legacy:

Despite challenges in the latter half of the 20th century, Burne-Jones & Co. Ltd. left a lasting legacy. Their commitment to social responsibility through the "Wireless for the Blind" project stands out.  They built a reputation for user-friendly components, innovative complete sets, and a touch of luxury. While the company ultimately closed in 1972, its story is a testament to the human spirit of innovation that fueled the golden age of radio. [8]

[1] The Electrical Review Aug 14, 1925, Page 256.
[2] Wireless & Gramophone Trader Jun 21, 1930, Page 334.
[3] Television & Shortwave World Jan 1937, Page 60.
[4] Practical Mechanics Feb 1934, Page 249.
[5] World radio Jul 1935, Page 24.
[6] Wireless World Nov 1954, Page 114.
[7] Wireless World Nov 1959, Page 318.
[8] London Gazette Nov 30, 1972, Page 14241.