University tribute to Doctor Who pioneer 'fitting'

Delia Derbyshire was born in Coventry

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

Derbyshire, from Coventry, helped create the Doctor Who theme tune as part of her innovative work at the BBC’s Radiophonic Workshop.

Coventry University christened their new College of the Arts and Society building as the Delia Derbyshire building in its official opening on Thursday.

"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 what she achieved.

"It shows we've come on a lot. There's a lot of work still to be done but she'd be delighted and proud as a proud Coventry-ite [or] Cov kid to be honoured in this way in her hometown," he added.

Stuart Maconie has written and researched the work of Delia Derbyshire

"She heard the sound of the Blitz and [it] inspired her love of sound," he added.

"I know it's a weird thing to say but she said there were air raid sirens that she heard and the noises woke her up to a world of extreme sonic affects so Coventry's in her DNA."

An event was held at the university on Thursday to mark the honour with performances from musicians.

The building was named in her honour

Ms Derbyshire was often cited as a major influence on electronic music and Shaun Hides, dean of the College of the 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've got 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 it's exactly what we want our students to do."