Bagpuss on a Rainy Day

Oliver Postgate & Peter Firmin: Pioneers of British Children's Television Oliver Postgate (1925–2008) and Peter Firmin (1928–2018) were the creative duo behind some of Britain's most beloved children's television shows. In 1959 Oliver founded Smallfilms and with Peter Fermin went on to create some of the most iconic programs of this era - Bagpuss, The Clangers, Ivor the Engine, Noggin the Nog, Pogles Wood and Pingwings. Postgate, known for his gentle, timeless storytelling and signature narration, wrote and directed their shows, while Firmin, a talented artist and puppeteer, brought their characters to life through handcrafted puppets and animation. Using simple stop-motion techniques, they created magical worlds that resonated deeply with audiences for their warmth and charm. Bagpuss, perhaps their most famous creation, was voted the UK's favourite children's TV show in a 1999 BBC poll, while The Clangers, with its whistling, otherworldly creatures, remains another beloved classic. Their work combined whimsical storytelling with a sense of nostalgia that appealed to both children and adults. Their contributions to children's television were recognised with numerous awards. Postgate and Firmin both received BAFTA Special Awards in 2014 for their work on Bagpuss and The Clangers. In 1987, they were also awarded honorary degrees from the University of Kent in recognition of their impact on British culture. Postgate and Firmin's work left a lasting legacy on British television. Their handcrafted characters and timeless stories continue to enchant new generations.