Bagpuss creator's artwork goes on display

Peter Firmin Partnership A black and white linocut artwork featuring Bagpuss smiling, some dancing mice and a guitar playing frogPeter Firmin Partnership
The iconic children's TV show Bagpuss was co-created by Peter Firmin

Artwork by the man who co-created iconic children's TV characters Bagpuss, The Clangers and Basil Brush is to go on display in Kent.

More than 20 linocuts made by Peter Firmin, some featuring Bagpuss, are being exhibited at Lovelys Gallery in Cliftonville from Saturday.

Peter Firmin, who lived in Blean before his death six years ago, created many famous TV programmes along with fellow Kent resident Oliver Postgate in the 1960s and 1970s.

Firmin's daughter Emily, who featured in the opening of the 1974 Bagpuss series, will be attending the launch of the exhibition from 14:00 GMT to "discuss the life and work of her father".

Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Close up shot of Peter Firmin in 2014 in grey striped jacket and floral mauve shirt with white beard holding a knitted pink ClangerDominic Lipinski/PA Wire
Peter Firmin said getting a Bafta in 2014 was "touching"

Ms Firmin said: 'His work in lino and vinyl cuts continued throughout his life, starting with woodcuts at college.

"His illustrations are incredible and contain such fine detail."

Peter Firmin received the Bafta Lifetime Achievement Award for his extensive work in children's TV in 2014.

His celebrated programmes included Ivor the Engine, Noggin the Nog and Pogles' Wood.

He died at his home in Kent in 2018 aged 89.

Peter Firmin Partnership A black and white close up linocut image of a smiling BagpussPeter Firmin Partnership
Bagpuss features on some of the linocuts in the exhibition

As well as his TV work Firmin was also a prolific printmaker and craftsman.

A spokesperson for Lovelys Gallery said: "Peter's linocuts, made using an ancient Albion press, are incredibly detailed, as well charming and nostalgic."

The exhibition of his artwork runs until 4 January.

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