I regularly loan items for film, television and theatrical productions. Whether you have watched Chariots of Fire, Greystoke, The Importance of Being Ernest or Harry Potter you have seen a gramophone from my stable. I am listed in The Knowledge under ‘Weird and Wonderful’(!)
I am happy to advise professional property buyers on the suitability of a machine to a period or context.
Especially large or beautiful machines may be very valuable and although the media may be able to afford proper insurance few amateur theatrical groups or schools can, and as a result I am reluctant to loan them these special machines. For them I always keep a couple of machines which 'look the part' and function but which are strictly ‘good fakes’ and can afford to take a knock without me getting too upset!
A typical loan machine for 'amdram' productions!
If the production is non-profit-making or charitable I normally lend these out at no fee as long as the borrower both collects and delivers the machine back to me and agrees to a value in the case of complete loss. A mention in the programme can be a small reward…
I do not have radios for hire. However Gerald Wells at the Vintage Wireless Museum in Dulwich, South London, does. He can be called on 0208 670 3667