PETER FIRMIN, the creator of iconic children’s shows including Bagpuss and The Clangers, has died at the age of 89.
The artist and puppet-maker passed away at his home in Kent after a short illness.
The Clangers, which he co-created with long-time collaborator Oliver Postgate, was revived in 2015 and went on to win a BAFTA award.
The pair also created the characters Ivor the Engine and Noggin the Nog.
Firmin also co-created Basil Brush with Ivan Owen.
Fondly Remembered
In a statement, Clangers production company Coolabi praised his legacy.
“Of all his work he will probably be most fondly remembered for the characters he co-created and made,” it read.
“With Ivan Owen he created the cheeky fox Basil Brush, and with his long-time business partner, Oliver Postgate, working as Smallfilms, he devised, created, painted, drew and built the marvellous and diverse worlds of Bagpuss, Clangers, Ivor the Engine, Noggin the Nog and Pogles' Wood.
“TV programmes with such magical and enduring appeal that they remain hugely popular to this day.
“In 1999 Bagpuss was voted the most popular BBC children's programme ever made, and in 2014 Peter received a Bafta Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Peter continued to work with great enthusiasm on creative projects right up until the beginning of 2018, most notably on a new series of Clangers, which won a Bafta in 2015.”
Firmin is survived by his wife Joan and their six daughters, as well as his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Our thoughts are with Peter’s friends & family.
Thanks for the memories Peter.
Xx— CBeebies Grown-Ups (@CBeebiesHQ) July 1, 2018
Awww sorry to hear that #Bagpuss creator #PeterFirmin has died aged 89. I absolutely loved #Bagpuss ❤️ pic.twitter.com/k3VmPqJSdA
— Siobhán McHatton (@Alltheway80s) July 1, 2018
RIP inspirational illustrator Peter Firmin, co-creator of BAGPUSS, THE CLANGERS and the wonderful NOGGIN THE NOG – one of my childhood favourites on both screen and page.https://t.co/dJ3nMqvvqO pic.twitter.com/84pTtGNqpD
— Jonathan Emmett (@scribblestreet) July 1, 2018
Thank you for these childhood favourites. RIP 💞 #PeterFirmin pic.twitter.com/LcBRSzGu7f
— Ellemdubbleyoo (@ladysquiz) July 1, 2018
Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate - a little oasis of kindness. A light in the dark, always. Whenever I feel lost, scared or just in need of a little escape for a few minutes, their work will usually do it for me. I'm forever grateful for the gift they left. Thank you, always.
— Walter Dunlop (@waltydunlop) July 1, 2018
