I have always been a fan of 1970s children's television shows. I like them more than your average individual does. In a serious way. There's is something so lovely and special about them. My flame for these saggy characters and tinny music has been reignited of late with the reintroduction of exams into my life. I would much rather watch Bagpuss and the mice clean some newfound item than stare for hours at a dull book about some form of abstract and incomprehensible law. Likewise I would prefer to hear Sweep squeaking away than learn aeons of case names off by heart.
However, my absolute favourite of these television shows is without a shred of doubt, The Clangers. I just love them. They are just such awesome little creatures. I just dig the idea of little mice stop-motioning around a planet making some kind of strange hooting noise while that quintessential vintage BBC voice narrates their actions.
What I love most about The Clangers though is the little mouse-like creatures themselves and the story behind them. The Clangers were hand knitted and dressed. by the wife of Pete Firmin (model-maker, illustrator and animator for The Clangers). I find it so lovely that her hand-knitted creatures became such iconic television characters who have lasted through generations and retained their charm and appeal.
Bagpuss
