NationStates Jolt Archive


Bagpuss creator dies!

Barringtonia
09-12-2008, 10:02
Once in a while, a remainder of how drug-addled the 60's and 70's were comes along and here, sadly, is the death of Oliver Postgate, creator of Bagpuss among others.

Sometimes I catch these old shows again, and I enjoy the nonsensical tales.

Oliver Postgate, the creator and narrator of Bagpuss, The Clangers and a series of other classic children's television programmes, has died at the age of 83.

His creations, which also included Noggin the Nog, Ivor the Engine and Pingwings, were screened on the BBC and ITV from the 1950s.

He narrated all of his productions in a calm warm voice that will be familiar to millions.

Postgate's animations were made by Smallfilms, the company he set up with the artist and puppeteer Peter Firmin.

Although only 13 episodes of Bagpuss were made from 1974, the pink "saggy, old, cloth cat" remains fondly remembered. It was voted Britain's best-loved children's television character.

Postgate's partner, Naomi Linnell, confirmed he died at a nursing home near his home in Broadstairs, Kent, yesterday.

Born in Hendon, Middlesex, Postgate set up Smallfilms in a disused cowshed near Canterbury after spending his early years in a number of different jobs.

The Clangers was a particular favourite although I remember it as a cue for my brother to beat me up to the shouting of 'The Clangers, The Clangers, The Clangers...'

Ah fond memories,

What's your favourite childhood children's TV show other than Sesame Street for the obvious.

I loved Fraggle Rock and can probably remember the theme tune...

*checks youtube*

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=TSDeoO-j3G0

Try to post the intro theme tune if it's not been mentioned already.
Rambhutan
09-12-2008, 10:06
Just saw this and was going to start a thread, feeling quite sad I loved all of his stuff.
SaintB
09-12-2008, 10:18
Fraggle Rock, and David the Gnome. Those were my favorite TV shows growing up. I don't know about Bagpuss.
Forsakia
09-12-2008, 10:23
:(

I have heard rumours of a clangers remake being done sometime soon.
Yootopia
09-12-2008, 13:32
:(

I have heard rumours of a clangers remake being done sometime soon.
I hope it contains the Soup Dragon, which as everyone knows is an allegory for government 'welfare' keeping the Clangers bonded to The Man.

And aye, this is sad.
Barringtonia
09-12-2008, 13:41
And of course there's the The Magic Roundabout...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=PAcnDevkTnc

Another, though not British, was the Moomins.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=f9y4qG0oaIM

I wonder the effect of these programs on us, whether they're a product of British irreverence or what, there seemed little to no education factor as opposed to random events.
SaintB
09-12-2008, 13:46
Seriously, never heard of Bagpuss...
Xiscapia
09-12-2008, 13:47
Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. *nods*
But that might only be an American thing...
Barringtonia
09-12-2008, 14:03
Seriously, never heard of Bagpuss...

You're not really expected to, it's curious English (British, should I say that instead?) children's programming.

You can add US ones but I think only Sesame St. came close to the weirdness that was British children's television, I wonder what other European countries were like, Moomins shows great potential for more.

I wonder if people have looked into different country children's shows and drawn any conclusions.
Rambhutan
09-12-2008, 14:07
This (http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/organgrinder/2008/dec/09/television-television) might help those who have no idea who the great Mr Postgate was.