Tribute to Coventry Doctor Who pioneer Delia Derbyshire ‘fit’

Naming a university building after electronic music pioneer Delia Derbyshire in her hometown was a fitting tribute to her, broadcaster Stuart Maconie said.

Derbyshire, from Coventry, helped create the Doctor Who theme song as part of her ground-breaking work at the BBC’s Radiophonic Workshop.

“The rediscovery and celebration of her work over the last decade or so has been fantastic,” Mr Maconie said.

The BBC Radio 6 Music presenter has produced documentaries about Derbyshire and written about her work and achievements.

“It shows that I have come a long way. There is still a lot to do but she would be delighted and proud as a proud Coventry (or) Cov child to be honored in this way in her home town,” he added.

“She heard the sound of the Blitz and it inspired her love of sound,” he added.

“I know it’s a strange thing to say, but she said they heard air raid sirens and the noises woke her up to a world of extreme sonic effects, so Coventry is in her DNA.”

An event was held at the university on Thursday to mark the honor with performances by musicians.

Ms Derbyshire has often been cited as a major influence on electronic music and Shaun Hides, dean of the College of Arts and Society, said he was “super proud” of the building which he hoped would inspire students and add to her legacy.

He said the equipment was excellent and included 360 motion capture and 360 sound equipment, as well as a film and photography studio.

“We have an amazing building with amazing facilities for our students,” he said.

“(Naming the building after Derbyshire) is absolutely fitting.

“Delia was a pioneer in her field. She used innovation and creative technologies creatively to push the boundaries of what music could be, which is exactly what we want our students to do.”