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.
Elements
The various elements of the coat of arms were chosen to provide a heraldic translation of the qualities of the BBC.
Lion — the crest of the coat of arms has a lion above the helmet. The lion is the national animal of the UK and indicates the BBC's British identity.
Thunderbolt — The lion grasps a thunderbolt in its outstretched paw, this to represent broadcasting itself.
Eagles — In heraldic language the two eagles which grasp the shield are "supporters". Eagles were chosen to depict the inherent speed of broadcasting. Both eagles have bugles suspended from their collars, representing "proclamation", i.e. the public serviceelement of broadcasting.
Motto — The coat of arms features the BBC motto, "Nation shall speak peace unto Nation"
Shield
*Globe — the globe in the shield of the coat of arms represents the scope and breadth of the BBC's operations
*Estoiles — Around the globe are seven estoiles, heraldic symbols for divine goodness and nobility. Their place in the shield increase the representation of the scope and breadth of the corporation. They also symbolise the seven planets in the Solar System other than the Earth.
The background of the shield, the mantling and the collars of the eagles are blue. 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 and the addition of a compartment.
Motto
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: This inspired the dedication that appears in the entrance hall of Broadcasting House: In 1948 the motto reverted to the original.
Usage
Prior to 1986, the logo was used on a few sources, mainly BBC documentation and stationery, such as the BBC Handbook, or for some uses around some of the studios. In those occurrences, the coat of arms would not be used directly, but used subtly on other furniture, such as the bollards outside New Broadcasting House, Manchester. Following the redesign in 1986, the coat of arms was used much more frequently alongside the main logo. Some examples include:
In the BBC's "virtual" news set, used between 1993 and 1999, much of what was seen was computer generated using Silicon Graphics systems. The titles opened to the BBC News logo overlaid on the spinning globe. The shot widened to include the whole coat of arms and finally the whole set. The coat of arms, studio lights, floor and the majority of the desk were all computer generated.
The generic BBC News titles prior to 1993 used a transmitter as its icon, similar to that used on the coat of arms.
The coat of arms featured on flags from BBC studios, and on signage for the studios themselves.
The BBC outtakes programme Auntie's Bloomers featured a set of large shelves with tape records, dusty corners and industrial lift shafts, meant to represent the BBC Archives. The centre of this set is Terry Wogan's desk where he provides his commentary. The floor in this central section features a large version of the coat of arms.
The coat of arms featured heavily on publications, including back covers and on the spines of books.
The coat of arms has since largely been superseded by the BBC blocks logo from 1997. It has not been abandoned by the corporation, but no longer appears on programmes or prominently in BBC publications, buildings or other locations.
Badge
The BBC was also granted a heraldic badge of: A Thunderbolt proper thereon a Pellet inscribed with the letters BBC Or.
