Bagpuss first yawned and stretched his way onto our screens way back in 1974 when the BBC showed the original series of 15 minute episodes as part of children’s programme, Watch With Mother. Since then his gentle adventures, with the other characters and Emily, have been essential viewing for children of all ages for over quarter of a century.

Although only 13 episodes were made, the programme was so popular that the series was repeated 27 times to successive generations. Thanks to regular repeats on Channel 4 and Nickelodeon Junior, the furry cat-puss has charmed his way into the hearts and minds of us all.

In 1999 Bagpuss was named the country’s favourite BBC children’s programme of all time, beating off the challenge of modern TV programmes such as the Teletubbies. A telephone poll for a tribute programme to the BBC’s children’s output, called Are you Sitting Comfortably, shown on New Years day, saw Bagpuss attract a phenomenal 40,000 votes.

It was this poll which principally brought Bagpuss into prominence as a marketable brand. The corporate world sat up and took notice of the immense latent demand for Bagpuss product, generated by his millions of dedicated fans.

Since then, Bagpuss has established himself as a leading brand in the high street. With over 50 licensees producing a comprehensive range of pink and white striped goods, sales of Bagpuss merchandise have grown substantially year on year.

With his fresh and funky new cat-puss look, the coolest cat in the marketplace shows no sign of fading and has more than claimed his place in the nation’s heart as a true British Classic.

Links: Bagpuss Shop; Smallfilms