Oliver Postgate (1925–2008)

I was initially drawn to this book as a means of learning more about the history of childhood favourites such as The Clangers and Noggin the Nog. However I think I would have been fascinated by and warmed to the character revealed here even if I had no previous awareness of his animated creations.

Postgate was a natural storyteller and this comes across clearly in this autobiography. Describing his childhood in a prominent, socialist family, the young Oliver comes across as bright, creative, inventive, adorable and sometimes exasperating. This is actually, more or less, the impression I was left with throughout the book!

The scenes which suggest that Postgate's father favoured his older brother were poignant but he must have been well loved by his mother. How else could she have accepted with such grace the constant stream of presents, personally invented and created by Oliver as a young adult which included washing machines which were prone to exploding?!

I found it fascinating to read about how Postgate applied his creativity, intelligence and social conscience throughout his life. His "smallfilms" were only part of the story. I did get the impression that personal relationships was the area where Postgate wasn't quite so smart. There were definite touches of naivity here even in older age.

Overall I am left feeling deep respect and affection for, and gratitude to, the man who added so much to my childhood and to the childhoods of so many of my generation!… (more)