Bagpuss Turns 50: Iconic Children’s Character Set for Modern Revival with New Film Adaptation

A Golden Anniversary for Britain’s Favourite Cloth Cat

Bagpuss, the British animated children’s television series created by Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate through their company Smallfilms, first aired on 12 February 1974. Though only thirteen episodes were ever produced, the programme remained a beloved fixture of British television until 1986 and was later voted the UK’s favourite children’s television programme in a 1999 BBC poll.

Anniversary Celebrations and Collectibles

As Bagpuss celebrates its 50th birthday in 2024, international media group Coolabi has announced a range of collectibles to mark this milestone. The thirteen iconic episodes created by Firmin and Postgate continue to hold a special place in British cultural heritage.

The series has been remastered and re-released on DVD and Blu-ray by Fabulous Films, and is now available to stream on multiple platforms including Britbox, ITVX, iTunes, and Amazon. Commemorative items include a collection of five 50p coins from The Westminster Collection, and a special set of four stamps to be issued by Guernsey Post, featuring Bagpuss and his friends, complete with King Charles III’s Royal Cypher.

Looking to the Future: A New Film Adaptation

In an exciting development, Bagpuss is set for a modern revival in a new film that will blend live-action and animation. The reimagined story will transport Bagpuss and his friends to contemporary Britain, where they will continue their mission of mending lost and broken items.

The production, which has received investment from Creative UK via the West Midlands IP Fund, is being developed in collaboration with the original creators’ estate. The story was developed and approved by Oliver Postgate’s son, Daniel Postgate, before his passing in June, with the film targeted for release in 2027.

A Lasting Legacy

Beyond entertainment, Bagpuss continues to serve as mascot to Hospices of Hope, the only U.K. charity dedicated to supporting hospice care in South and East Europe. This role began in 2002 when Oliver Postgate donated Bagpuss’ ‘pocket money’ to fund a specialist children’s wing at its Romanian partner hospice.