BBC coat of arms
| Coat of arms of the BBC | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| Armiger | The BBC |
| Adopted | 1927 |
| Crest | On a Wreath of the Colours, a Lion passant Or, grasping in the dexter fore-paw a Thunderbolt proper. |
| Torse | A Wreath of the Colours |
| Escutcheon | Azure a Terrestrial Globe proper encircled by an Annulet Or, and seven Estoiles in Orle Argent. |
| Supporters | On either side an Eagle, wings addorsed proper collared Azure pendant therefrom a Bugle horn stringed Or. |
| Motto | Nation shall speak peace unto Nation |
| Other elements | Badge – A Thunderbolt proper thereon a Pellet inscribed with the letters BBC Or. |
The coat of arms of the BBC was adopted in March 1927 to represent the purpose and values of the corporation. It is seldom used nowadays except for ceremonial purposes.
The various elements of the coat of arms were chosen to provide a heraldic translation of the qualities of the BBC.
The background of the shield, the mantling (drapery depicted tied to the helmet above the shield) and the collars of the eagles are blue (azure in heraldry).
The style of the coat of arms has changed considerably over time; from the style of the motto, the formality of the lion and eagles, the alignment of the shield (it was tilted in early versions, and is now perfectly straight) and the addition of a compartment (the design placed under the shield, a grassy mound in the BBC coat of arms).
The idealistic BBC motto is most likely based on biblical verses from the Book of Micah and the Book of Isaiah: "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. In 1934 the motto was changed to "Quaecunque", meaning "Whatsoever". This was inspired by St Paul's Epistle to the Philippians 4:8:
DE CETERO FRATRES QUAECUMQUE SUNT VERA QUAECUMQUE PUDICA QUAECUMQUE IUSTA QUAECUMQUE SANCTA QUAECUMQUE AMABILIA QUAECUMQUE BONAE FAMAE SI QUA VIRTUS SI QUA LAUS HAEC COGITATE
English (King James Bible):
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
This inspired the dedication that appears in the entrance hall of Broadcasting House:
DEO OMNIPOTENTI TEMPLUM HOC ARTIUM ET MUSARUM ANNO DOMINI MCMXXXI RECTORE JOHANNI REITH PRIMI DEDICANT GUBERNATORES PRECANTES UT MESSEM BONAM BONA PROFERAT SEMENTIS UT IMMUNDA OMNIA ET INIMICA PACI EXPELLANTUR UT QUAECUNQUE PULCHRA SUNT ET SINCERA QUACUNQUE BONAE FAMAE AD HAEC AVREM INCLINANS POPULUS VIRTUTIS ET SAPIENTIAE SEMITAM INSISTAT
English:
This Temple of the Arts and Muses is dedicated to Almighty God by the first Governors of Broadcasting House in the year 1931, Sir John Reith being Director-General. It is their prayer that good seed sown may bring forth a good harvest, that all things hostile to peace or purity may be banished from this house, and that the people, inclining their ear to whatsoever things are beautiful and honest and of good report, may tread the path of wisdom and uprightness.
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