Eric Morecambe Honored with Blue Plaque at Harpenden Centre

A blue plaque from the former BBC Television Centre, commemorating a renowned entertainer, has been revealed at a local theatre. The Eric Morecambe Centre (EMC) in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, is now home to this limited edition BBC blue plaque, which was salvaged from the BBC Television Centre in Wood Lane, west London, when the property was put on the market in 2012. Following its rescue, the plaque was subsequently sold at a charity auction. A local resident acquired it and subsequently gifted it to the theatre. Gail Morecambe, daughter of Eric Morecambe, expressed her sentiments, stating: “The family are delighted that there is a little piece of Television Centre – a place where my father and Ernie made so many memorable shows – is now here at the Eric Morecambe Centre.” Ms. Morecambe formally unveiled the plaque during a modest ceremony held at the theatre on Tuesday. Eric Morecambe resided in Harpenden throughout the peak of his career as part of a comedic duo with Ernie Wise, until his passing in 1984. This plaque is part of a collection installed through a partnership between the Heritage Foundation and the BBC. Each item in the series features an image of clapping hands, symbolizing the bond between audiences and BBC talent. Initially, twenty-four additional plaques were exhibited on the Star Terrace at the Television Centre, intended for public viewing by those awaiting entry to the TV studios. Currently, however, this particular piece is on display in the foyer, accompanied by photographs of Morecambe and his wife, Joan. Kate Barton, the manager of the EMC, commented: “Just as audiences would have seen it when it was originally in situ, I’m excited for our audiences to see the plaque in its new home.” The EMC commenced operations in Harpenden in September 2021.