Sportview Annual #3 1956-1957

The 1957 BBC Sportsview Annual, edited by Paul Fox and presented by Peter Dimmock, stands as a fascinating time capsule of what many consider a golden age in British sport. This compilation captures the essence of the groundbreaking television programme that had, by 1957, already established itself as one of Britain's most popular sporting broadcasts.
Peter Dimmock, a pioneering figure in British sports broadcasting, had launched Sportsview in 1954 as a weekly sports magazine show. The annual serves as a print extension of the programme's innovative approach to sports coverage, bringing together photography, commentary, and behind-the-scenes insights that were revolutionary for their time.
The contents of the annual read like a comprehensive guide to 1957's sporting landscape. The coverage of Stirling Moss, who was at the peak of his abilities in 1957 and finished as the runner-up in the Formula One World Championship, is particularly noteworthy. The chapter "That Man Stirling Moss" and "Motor Racing is Dangerous" capture the raw excitement of what was arguably motor racing's most dangerous and glamorous era.
The inclusion of Manchester United's First Division Championship celebration proves particularly poignant in retrospect, as this was the last full season before the tragic Munich Air Disaster of 1958. The feature on "The £75,000 Man John Charles" documents what was then a British record transfer fee, highlighting how the business of football was evolving.
The annual's 160+ photographs, including the distinctive "Sportsview" film strips, represent cutting-edge sports photography for the era. These images, while black and white, capture the dynamism and drama of sports in a way that was revolutionary for 1957 audiences.
The forward-looking piece "On to Rome, 1960" shows the growing anticipation for the upcoming Olympics "Australia's Other West Indian Summer" reflects the era's significant cricket rivalries The profile of Billy Wright, one of England's most celebrated footballers Coverage of Cambridge's rowing victory, maintaining the tradition of covering both elite and amateur sports
Today, this annual serves not just as a sports document but as a social history of Britain in the 1950s. The writing style, advertising, and coverage choices all reflect the values and preoccupations of post-war Britain, when television was transforming how people consumed sports.
The 1957 Sportsview Annual represents more than just a sports yearbook – it's a milestone in sports journalism, capturing a pivotal moment when television was revolutionising sports coverage. Its diverse content, quality photography, and insider perspectives make it a valuable collector's item and a fascinating window into a transformative era in British sport.
For sports historians, collectors, and enthusiasts of vintage sports memorabilia, this annual offers an authentic glimpse into how sports were presented and consumed in the 1950s, making it a significant piece of broadcasting and sporting history.

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Publisher: The Thames Publishing Co, London
Published: 1957
Price: £9.99
Hardcover: 94 pages