Seeing Things

Oliver Postgate (1925–2008) – A Pioneer of British Children's Television Oliver Postgate was one of the most influential storytellers in British television history, best known for creating and narrating some of the most cherished children's programmes ever made. His work under Smallfilms includes Bagpuss, The Clangers, Ivor the Engine, Noggin the Nog, Pogles' Wood, and Pingwings, all of which continue to captivate audiences across generations. Born in 1925, Oliver's journey into storytelling was shaped by his unique imagination, gentle wit, and an instinct for creating worlds that felt both magical and familiar. In 1959, he established Smallfilms, where he wrote, directed, and narrated his own stories, bringing them to life with animation techniques that were as inventive as the tales themselves. Working with Peter Firmin, who designed and crafted the characters and sets, Oliver transformed a converted cowshed in Kent into a creative powerhouse, producing some of the most iconic children's television of the 20th century. What set Oliver's work apart was his ability to blend whimsy, warmth, and gentle humour with innovative storytelling. His distinctive, soothing narration became a hallmark of his creations, drawing children (and adults) into the worlds of a saggy old cloth cat, a Welsh steam engine, a family of whistling moon creatures, and Viking legends. His meticulous attention to detail and passion for storytelling turned Smallfilms into one of the most beloved production houses in British television history. Postgate's impact on British culture was profound. In 1999, Bagpuss was voted the nation's favourite children's TV show in a BBC poll, and his other creations remain widely regarded as classics. In 1987, he was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Kent, and in 2009, he received a BAFTA Special Award posthumously for his contributions to television. Beyond television, Oliver was a keen inventor, writer, and thinker, always challenging conventional ways of seeing the world. His autobiography, Seeing Things, offers a glimpse into the mind of a man whose creativity and gentle genius brought joy to millions. Oliver Postgate's legacy endures, his stories continuing to inspire and delight audiences, proving that great storytelling never fades—it simply finds new generations to enchant.