Exploring the AWA Radiola Deep Image: A Classic Australian Television
The AWA Radiola Deep Image television holds a significant place in Australian television history. This article delves into the specifics of a 1958 AWA Radiola Deep Image model, highlighting its features, historical context, and the story of its owner, actor Kevin Golsby.
The AWA Radiola in the Golden Age of Television
In the 1950s, Australian television was in its infancy, and AWA (Amalgamated Wireless Australasia) was a leading manufacturer, alongside brands like Philips, Pye, Astor, and Admiral. AWA collaborated with industry giants RCA and Marconi, leveraging their expertise to produce high-quality televisions. The Radiola series, manufactured in Ashfield, NSW, was renowned for its advanced features, including 200W power consumption, twin speakers, 24 valves, and a built-in rotatable aerial. This made the Radiola a highly sought-after television set.
Alt: A vintage AWA Radiola Deep Image television set with a wooden cabinet and a glass-covered screen.
A Personal Connection to Television History: The Kevin Golsby Story
The specific 1958 AWA Radiola Deep Image model discussed here has a rich provenance, having belonged to actor Kevin Golsby and his mother Lorna. Purchased in 1958, this television served as a window to the world for the Golsby family, providing entertainment and shared experiences until the advent of color television in 1975. Kevin Golsby, a prominent radio personality at the time, vividly remembers watching the inaugural broadcast of TCN-9 in 1956, even before owning a television.
Alt: The back of the AWA Radiola Deep Image television showing manufacturer details and model number.
This Radiola witnessed Golsby’s transition from radio to television, showcasing his performances in popular Australian dramas like “Homicide,” “Matlock Police,” “Ryan,” and “Skyways.” Lorna Golsby proudly watched her son’s career flourish on their AWA Radiola, solidifying its place as a cherished family heirloom. Beyond acting, Golsby’s distinctive voice graced Movietone newsreels and numerous television commercials, including the iconic decimal currency conversion jingle and memorable ads for Nestle’s Quik and Vicks VapoRub.
Technical Specifications and Design
The AWA Radiola Deep Image Model 209C featured a light brown timber cabinet, a 17-inch glass-enclosed screen, control knobs below the screen, and a speaker housed beneath. The set stood on four short legs, reflecting the furniture styles of the era. The back panel contained technical information, including the wholesaler’s details and the model number. Notably, this particular model had a 17AVP4A cathode ray tube with a 90-degree deflection angle.
A Legacy of Innovation and Entertainment
The AWA Radiola Deep Image represents a pivotal period in Australian technological and cultural history. This television was not merely a device; it was a portal to a new world of entertainment and information, fostering shared experiences and shaping national identity. The story of Kevin Golsby and his AWA Radiola serves as a poignant reminder of the impact this technology had on individual lives and the broader cultural landscape. The Radiola’s innovative features, combined with its role in the Golsby family history, make it a significant artifact in understanding the evolution of television in Australia.
