Remembering David Heycock: A Pioneering BBC Producer Who Left an Indelible Mark

David Heycock, a prominent producer in the music and arts department of BBC television during the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 80 due to complications from multiple sclerosis. His remarkable career and contributions to the world of television and the arts have left an indelible mark on the industry and those he worked with.

Trailblazing Talent and Versatility in the Arts

Acclaimed Collaborations and Groundbreaking Productions

David Heycock's work with renowned figures such as Kenneth Clark on the acclaimed series "Civilisation" and as the director of the final four programs in Alistair Cooke's "America" series were widely praised for their depth and artistry. He also produced "Spirit of the Age," a pairing of films on Palladian and 20th-century architecture, collaborating with John Julius Norwich and Hugh Casson. Heycock's versatility and talent were further showcased in his work on the six-part series "Where We Live," which gave voice to young people's perspectives on the world around them.

Pioneering Debates and Early Career Achievements

Before joining the BBC, Heycock had already made a name for himself at the Cambridge Union, where he proposed, alongside James Baldwin, the motion "the American Dream is at the Expense of the American Negro" in a famous 1965 debate with the right-wing commentator William F. Buckley Jr. This early display of his intellectual prowess and social consciousness foreshadowed the impact he would have in the years to come.

Overcoming Adversity and Adapting to New Challenges

Despite the worsening of his multiple sclerosis, which eventually forced him to give up his work in the music and arts department, Heycock did not let his illness define him. He spent several years making training films and lecturing for the BBC before taking early retirement in his late 40s. However, he quickly pivoted to other projects, including earning a master's degree in media studies, lecturing at Birkbeck College in London, and adapting English classics for the Japanese market.

Embracing Life and Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Even as he faced the challenges of his illness, Heycock remained active and engaged, traveling, visiting exhibitions, and attending cultural events. His final visit to the theater in 2023 was a poignant moment, as he was invited on stage to meet the actor playing his younger self in a re-enactment of the 1965 Baldwin-Buckley debate. Heycock's resilience, adaptability, and unwavering passion for the arts and media have left an indelible mark on those who knew him and the industry he so profoundly influenced.