Australia 1999 Children's TV Programmes

Issue Date: 6 May 1999
Designed by: Phil Ellett
Printed by: SNP Ausprint
Print Process: Lithography
Stamp Size: 26 mm x 37.5 mm
Withdrawal date: 30 September 1999

Description

Children’s television programs have been a part of Australian television culture since it began in the 1950s. Parents who grew up in this era may recall their favourite characters and programs – some of which have stood the test of time to entertain and educate whole new generations of children.

The long-standing success and popularity of such programs is due largely to the quality of performing artists and production staff who work on them and the creative minds behind them. Their contribution is recognised in five new stamps featuring four of the best-loved Australian children’s television programs – perennial favourites Mr Squiggle, Here’s Humphrey and Play School and relative newcomer Bananas in Pyjamas.

Stamps

Sheet Stamps

Perforations: 14½ x 14
Format: sheetlets of 10 (5 issues se-tenant)

45c Here’s Humphrey Stamp

Here’s Humphrey is a pre-school program which appeals to both little children and their parents, many of whom may have watched Humphrey B. Bear’s debut in Adelaide in May 1965. Humphrey is a perennial four-year-old who doesn’t speak, rather communicating through actions interpreted by the ‘hosts’ or friends who play with him on the show. He has won two Logie Awards and was given a Citizen of the Year Award at the 1994 Australia Day celebrations for his charity work. Here’s Humphrey is seen in the UK, parts of Europe, Southeast Asia and New Zealand and debuted on the PBS public television network in the United States in 1998.

45c Here’s Humphrey

45c Bananas in Pyjamas Stamp

Bananas in Pyjamas is the flagship for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation television network. It is sold to over 36 broadcasters and has enjoyed unprecedented success in the United States, Asia and Latin America. The series is based around the song of the same name written by Carey Blyton (Enid Blyton’s nephew) in 1967 and published in a book titled “A Book of Nonsense”. The Bananas – B1 and B2 – are mischievous twins who cannot resist playing tricks on their Teddy friends Amy, Lulu and Morgan and the enterprising Rat in a Hat.

45c Bananas in Pyjamas

45c Mr Squiggle Stamp

Mr Squiggle is a man from the moon whose nose is a pencil. Children send in their ‘squiggles’ which Mr Squiggle takes and, within minutes, turns into a drawing. Many of today’s parents grew up with Mr Squiggle and their children are now also watching it. Other characters in Mr Squiggle are Blackboard, Gus the Snail, Bill the Steamshovel and the ‘host’ Rebecca. Mr Squiggle celebrates his 40th birthday in 1999.

45c Mr Squiggle

45c Play School Stamps

Play School is a pre-school show whose characters are toys, teamed with presenters. Commencing in 1966, this long-running children’s program has been hosted over the years by a number of well-known Australian actors and relies on sets made from all the odds and ends found in homes. More than 80 per cent of children up to the age of four watch Play School.

The Play School stamps are designed as a pair and convey the essential nature of Play School – a place where presenters introduce children to the world through creative play.