Of all the programming from the “golden age of children’s television” surely no body of work is so fondly remembered as that of Smallfilms.
Narrator/animator Oliver Postgate and his artist friend Peter Firmin created worlds together which have endured for generations. Bagpuss is consistently voted the nation’s favourite children’s character, but there were also the Clangers, Ivor the Engine, Noggin the Nog, Pogles’ Wood and many more. Outside of his work for Smallfilms, Firmin also designed and created Basil Brush.
Northern Ireland Screen’s Broadcast Archivist, Evan Marshall, presents the whole history of Smallfilms, from its earliest beginnings to its final works and beyond. Illustrated with Firmin’s magical art and clips from the shows themselves, the talk shines a light on the famous works as well as some of the more forgotten chapters of Smallfilm’s history with clips unseen for decades such as Sam on Boffs’ Island and Oliver’s impassioned anti-nuclear 1980s documentary, Life on Earth, Perhaps.
Venue Information:
Black Box
18 – 22 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LA
- Wheelchair accessible
- Level access
- Automatic or power-assisted doors at the entrance
- Entry & exit well lit
- Drop bar available
- Hearing loop
- Accessible bathroom
The nearest Changing Places toilet is in Castle Court Shopping Centre. It is open from 9am – 6pm.
Note: The entrance to the Black Box is located on a cobblestone road. Vehicle access is available by request to the venue, otherwise the street is pedestrianised.
Transport information:
The closest bus stop is Lower Donegall Street.
The closest train station is Grand Central Station (20 minute walk or a 12 minute bus).