It’s been a while since I’ve done a Wednesday Lensday so thought it was a good time to share some images I took from an exhibition of Children’s TV and toys last month, in honour of the TV shows’ creator, Peter Firmin, who sadly passed away last weekend, aged 89.
Known for his artwork and puppetry that complemented the imaginative writing of his partner, Oliver Postgate, the pair were responsible for British Children’s TV classics, such as Ivor the Engine, The Clangers (Mum’s favourite, below) and Basil Brush.
But by far my favourite (although Basil came close), was the saggy old, baggy old cloth cat, known as Bagpuss. His adventures with Professor Yaffle, Madeleine the Ragdoll, Gabriel the Toad and the organ mice, were a delight and are still a pleasure to watch.
Firmin’s daughter Emily appeared in the opening credits, visiting the lost and found store where the characters lived…and I wanted to BE her! So, it was no surprise that I gave a little squeal at the exhibition in our local art gallery, when I saw not only the original Bagpuss but also her dress from the intro!
The exhibit centred on the creative duo’s work but also included some key toys from the 50s through to the 90s. Seeing your childhood toys in a museum is a sure way to feel incredibly old!
Taking the main image I took of Bagpuss (first photo), I’ve tried to recreate the look of the opening credits, which were always in sepia / black and white, with no colour added until after the toys awoke. Fun fact: Bagpuss was meant to be a ginger cat but the material came back dyed the wrong colour and so the pink, stripey legend was born!
It may have been a small display but was well worth a visit, for the nostalgic memories alone. Thanks Mr. Firmin and and Mr. Postgate for a magical childhood. I’m just sorry that arguably Firmin’s loudest character – Mr. Basil Brush – didn’t put in an appearance. BOOM, BOOM! 😉
P.S. Didn’t even realise the date until I hit schedule but Happy Independence Day to all my US readers! Hope you’re having a blast, however you’re celebrating.
IMAGE CREDITS: My own and YouTube.
Did you know you can follow the Bobbins on Twitter , Instagram or Facebook? Come and say hi!
Aloada Bobbins 
I love the idea of a shop of found items that aren’t for sale. Being on the other side of the pond, I’ve never heard of any of the shows you’ve mentioned, but, like Carol1945, I remember Howdy Doody and Kukla, Fran, and Ollie, as well as Captain Kangaroo, Romper Room, and — of course — The Mickey Mouse Club. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgwSSmNAWps (one of the newer openings, but captured in B&W).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it a marvellous idea?! Something quite whimsical about it 🙂 I think I’ve heard of Captain Kangaroo before… and obviously M-I-C-K-E-Y-M-O-U-S-E !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely Haylee. Anything with cats in just has to be great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed! And he was, indeed, a particularly splendid cat 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really enjoyed this peek into your childhood!! So utterly different than the shows I watched as a child. Howdy Doody, and another one called Kukla, Fran, and Ollie. I just loved the sound of those three names.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re great names for a children’s show! I think it’s always interesting to see the differences from other countries too. Glad you liked the peek inside 🙂
LikeLike
Oh gosh, I loved Bagpuss! These pictures are wonderful. Big fan of The Clangers too – they don’t make kids TV like that any more!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They really don’t! Even though I never watched the Clangers, I was pleased to see he put his foot down and didn’t allow the new version to become all CGI.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would have ruined it. I like the little knitted Clangers 🙂 Now I am overwhelmed with nostalgia in the most lovely way!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah would love to see these! Where was the exhibition?
LikeLiked by 1 person
At Feren’s Art Gallery in Hull – think it runs to the end of July then traveling elsewhere (but not sure where that is). Am I right in thinking you’re Leeds area? If yes, it’s only a really small exhibit so don’t make it the only reason for a trip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am, well remembered! Hull, hmmm. As a matter of fact I have a 7 year old obsessed with marine life, so was plotting a trip to The Deep. May just have to look in on the old saggy old cloth cat on the same day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good thinking! And at the risk of sounding like the Tourist Board, all our other museums are free, so you could have a very cultural and fishy day!
LikeLiked by 1 person