Television producer and film director who broke down barriers for women at the BBCJulia Cave, who has died aged 82, was one of the women who in the late 1950s and early 60s began to break down the barriers that had prevented women from establishing creative careers in
BBC television. Although she went on to do distinguished work as a producer and director, perhaps the most enduring legacy of the talent, charm and dedication she brought to all her work came in those early days.
The launching of BBC2 in 1964 coincided with the 50th anniversary of the first world war. Alasdair Milne was the producer of the 26-part series The Great War, and Julia was given the responsibility of tracking down and interviewing survivors of the conflict. Displaying tenacity and warmth, she gained their trust and coaxed out of them the stories of fear, suffering and camaraderie that many had suppressed for years.