There is a small corner of a museum for children that is currently filled with excited adults screaming and sighing in delight, as Bagpuss, the Clangers, Ivor the Engine, et al have arrived.

The exhibition is actually about Smallfilms, the two-man company that produced the childhood memories for such a large portion of the British population, and each glass case is devoted to one set of programmes they created.

The camera used is pure Heath Robinson, being propped up on bits of wonky wood and using meccano to hold parts together.

IMG_5858

The original makeshift camera

However, the glass case that had adults crowded around and sinking into nostalgia-central, was Bagpuss. Sitting on a cushion, the regal puss nonchalantly observed the adoring crowds while surrounded by his court.

IMG_5809

Bagpuss and friends

The clangers were almost as adoringly spied, and photographed by adults taking selfies like born-again teenagers.

IMG_5819

Clangers

As a train geek, the sight of Ivor the Engine was for this correspondent the case that bought back memories, as did the less well known Noggin the Nog, the images of which did much to shape my imagination of “the north”.

Incidentally, the name of Noggin is said to have come after Neasden station, which Peter Firmin thought of ‘Noggin’.

IMG_5836

Flying trains in the air

The display is at the Museum of Childhood until 9th October.

NEWSLETTER

Be the first to know what's on in London, and the latest news published on ianVisits.

You can unsubscribe at any time from my weekly emails.

Tagged with:
SUPPORT THIS WEBSITE

This website has been running now for over a decade, and while advertising revenue contributes to funding the website, it doesn't cover the costs. That is why I have set up a facility with DonorBox where you can contribute to the costs of the website and time invested in writing and research for the news articles.

It's very similar to the way The Guardian and many smaller websites are now seeking to generate an income in the face of rising costs and declining advertising.

Whether it's a one-off donation or a regular giver, every additional support goes a long way to covering the running costs of this website, and keeping you regularly topped up doses of Londony news and facts.

If you like what you read on here, then please support the website here.

Thank you

Home >> News >> London exhibitions