The Clangers and Basil Brush creator Firmin is dead at 89
PETER Firmin, who helped create The Clangers, Bagpuss, Basil Brush and Ivor The Engine, has died at the age of 89.
Father-of-six Mr Firmin created Basil Brush with Ivan Owen and worked with Oliver Postgate, his long-time business partner, on The Clangers, Ivor the Engine, Noggin the Nog and Pogles’ Wood.
His spokesman said: “During a career spanning six decades, Peter worked with great skill in a remarkably wide variety of creative disciplines as a fine artist, craftsman and author.” Alice Webb, director of BBC Children’s programmes, said: “Peter helped to bring to life some of the most iconic programmes of a generation.” She added he had “an incredible ability to create wonderful characters that children have adored for decades”. Mr Firmin died at home in Kent after a short illness.