Ivor The Engine

Oliver Postgate & Peter Firmin: Pioneers of British Children's Television Oliver Postgate (1925–2008) and Peter Firmin (1928–2018) were the creative duo behind some of Britain's most beloved children's television shows. In 1959, Oliver founded Smallfilms, and together with Peter Firmin, they went on to create iconic programmes such as Bagpuss, The Clangers, Ivor the Engine, Noggin the Nog, Pogles Wood, and Pingwings. Postgate, known for his gentle, timeless storytelling and signature narration, wrote and directed their shows, while Firmin, a talented artist and puppeteer, brought their characters to life through handcrafted puppets and animation. Using simple stop-motion techniques, they created magical worlds that resonated deeply with audiences for their warmth and charm. One of their earliest creations, Ivor the Engine, first aired in 1959 in black-and-white, with a later colour series following in the 1970s. The show tells the whimsical and heartwarming story of Ivor, a little Welsh steam engine on The Merioneth and Llantisilly Railway Traction Company Limited. With his dreams of joining the choir and his adventures with friends like Jones the Steam, Dai Station, and Idris the Dragon, Ivor charmed audiences of all ages. Remarkably, all the sounds in the series, from Ivor's distinct "chuff-chuff" and whistles to the rattling of tracks, were created entirely by Postgate's own voice, adding a unique layer of charm and ingenuity to the production. The series reflected the simplicity and community spirit of rural Wales, blending heartwarming storytelling with inventive sound design. It introduced children to themes of kindness, creativity, and aspiration in a way that remains unmatched in its charm. Postgate and Firmin's contributions to children's television were recognised with numerous awards. Both received BAFTA Special Awards in 2014 for their work on Bagpuss and The Clangers. In 1987, they were also awarded honorary degrees from the University of Kent in recognition of their impact on British culture. The craftsmanship and creativity behind Smallfilms remain unparalleled. Postgate's calming narration, Firmin's handcrafted artistry, and the homemade ingenuity of sounds captured the imagination of generations.