A new Mr Squiggle collection has opened at the National Museum of Australia for three weeks only
Mr Squiggle and his friends delighted children for 40 years. Now, a unique collection has brought the iconic puppet back to life.
A new generation will be introduced to iconic Australian television character Mr Squiggle as the puppet and his friends touch down in Canberra for an exclusive display.
Brought to life by puppeteer and cartoonist Norman Hetherington, Mr Squiggle captured the hearts, and harnessed the creativity, of Australian children for 40 years, first airing in 1959 and running until 1999.
Now more than 800 objects from Hetherington’s career, including Mr Squiggle and his friends Blackboard, Rocket, Bill Steamshovel and Gus the Snail, have joined the National Museum of Australia’s collection.
The last presenter of Mr Squiggle was Hetherington’s daughter Rebecca, who hopes people of all walks of life will enjoy “reconnecting” with the iconic puppet and his pencil nose.
She also wants the collection to “inspire people to think their dreams are possible”.
“I hope a new generation of young people engage with the creativity of Mr Squiggle, and also the whole range of creativity that my father explored during his whole working life,” she said.
“His career shows that you really should pursue your interests and you just may end up making it your career.”
The collection will be on display until May 16, though senior curator at the National Museum, Sophie Jensen, said there were plans for a larger exhibition to open next year, with the goal of taking the “national icon out on tour across the country”.
She said the show’s message was still relevant today. “Mr Squiggle and his friends are just one part of this remarkable assemblage, which together demonstrate the power of following your creative passions and ideas and allowing them to flourish,” she said.
“Mr Squiggle himself inspired children to draw, explore and create. I think this message and inspiration is just as needed and relevant today.”
Dr Jensen also admitted she was “star struck” seeing the collection for the first time.
“My favourite character was always Bill Steamshovel. Seeing him for the first time in real life was a little bit magical and I honestly felt a little star struck,” she said.
Ms Hetherington said Mr Squiggle was just as magical behind the scenes as on TV: “My father was wonderful to work with. He always gave 200 per cent.”
The collection is on display at the National Museum of Australia from April 29 to May 16.
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