Rochat, Rebecca. Typology guide. Lacquer discs collection of Radio-Lausanne and Radio-Genève / Guide typologique. Disques à gravure directe de Radio-Lausanne et Radio-Genève. FONSART 2019.
Français:
Un document précieux/A precious document – notreHistoire.ch
Between 1930 and 1960, radio contents were mainly recorded on lacquer transcription discs, consisting of a thin layer of lacquer applied on aluminium, PVC, paper or glass substrates. Due to their composite structure and lack of standardisation in manufacturing, these carriers have proved to be very unstable and deteriorate rapidly.
Radio Télévision Suisse’s collection of 85,000 lacquer discs is of substantial significance for local communities in Switzerland, in addition to historical and political values with the coverage of international events. The collection also holds technological importance and includes a wide range of international manufacturers used in broadcasting services, namely Presto, Audiodiscs, Pyral, MSS, Simplat and Thorens.
Initiated by FONSART in 2012, the digitisation project aims to ensure the preservation and permanent accessibility of RTS lacquer discs, and raise awareness of this sensitive sound heritage. A typological research studied the different types of instantaneous discs in the collection as well as patents on manufacturing technologies.