Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin were phenomenally influential British animators, creating Bagpuss, Noggin the Nog, Ivor the Engine and, of course, the Clangers.

With their stop motion animation studio, Smallfilms, they delighted and awed many children and adults alike. Part of the charm of Smallfilms was the craftsy handmade products they made, and that could also be reflected in the magical music. I've already discussed that the Bagpuss soundtrack had recently been released on vinyl but far more exciting for me is the recent re-release of the out of print Clangers Original Television Music by Vernon Elliot. The music is from the original 26 episode run of the series, which was recorded in a local Kentish village hall. This lends the music a naïve, pastoral sound with natural ambiance.

I have listened to the album a couple of times already and already have a lot of affection for it, but once I've listened to it a few more times I will be writing a more detailed review so watch this space!

The track listing is:

A1: Episode One - Intro Music And Dialogue
A2: From - Music
A3: From - Visiting Friends
A4: G2: Clangers Running Up And Down. How Can They Rescue Tiny Clanger
A5: From - Fishing
A6: From - Treasure
A7: Miscellaneous Clangers Movements
A8: From - Goods
A9: An End Title
A10: Ting Clanger's Radio Hat
A11: Oliver's Special Effects
B1: From - The Rock Collector
B2: From - Glowhoney
B3: From - Teapot
B4: From - Cloud
B5: From - The Seed
B6: From - The Bags
B7: From - Blow Fruit
B8: From - The Pipe Organ
B9: From - Music Of The Spheres

LINK- Bagpuss, Clangers and Co. Exhibition

LINK- Bagpuss Soundtrack on Vinyl

Smallfilms may not be a name that you are immediately familiar with but the works of founders Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin probably are: Noggin the Nog, Ivor the Engine, the Clangers and Bagpuss.
Since its birth in 1959 the works of Postgate and Firmin have delighted millions of fans across the world. To celebrate their contribution to children's entertainment and animation there is a free exhibition running at the V &A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green, London.

The exhibition is in the main hall and consists of all the original figures and art materials from all the classic works. The original title card of the Clangers was a real highlight for me as I used to watch this show in my youth and now I watch the new series with my daughter nightly.

The original Bagpuss was there too and I was surprised at how small all the figures were. Overall the exhibition was excellent and the fact that they had the original episodes airing in a closed off room was great for those hoping to revisit these old classics. If you like old skool British animation then this exhibition is a must!