The Story of Children’s Television From 1946 to Today
Take a wander down memory lane for a celebration of children’s television, past and present.
From the earliest days of Muffin the Mule to the multi-channel world of today, this exhibition traces the fascinating history of children’s television, bringing together seven decades of objects, memorabilia, merchandise, clips and images.
Familiar faces including Gordon the Gopher, The Wombles, Sooty, Morph and the singing veggies from Mr Bloom’s Nursery are on display alongside iconic objects like Blue Peter’s original Tracy Island.
What was your favourite children’s TV show? We teamed up with UWE film making students and quizzed the Bristol public on their favourite children’s TV shows and characters…
Knowledge can be put to the test with interactive games and activities such as a Who Said It? catchphrase game, a theme tune challenge, puppet play and TV character dress up. You can also get selfies with Shaun the Sheep and the Teletubbies.
The Story of Children’s Television is the story of all of our childhoods, and how television helped to shape the way we view the world around us. From puppetry to CGI and live shows to dramas and fantasy, the exhibition looks at how the magical programmes of our childhood have created memories and nostalgia in adults and children alike.
Official Blue Peter badge holders get free exhibition entry when they show their badge at the ticket desk.
Travelling to M Shed by bus? We’ve teamed up with First Bus to offer 50% off exhibition entry when you show your bus ticket at reception. Valid for visitors travelling on the 24, 36, 50, 51, 53, 54, 75, 76 and 90 bus routes only.
Summer of Childhood
We have declared this summer as the Summer of Childhood! Taking place throughout the holidays, we’ve come up with new ways of exploring M Shed, making it the perfect destination for a family day-out this summer.
Make sure you pick up a Summer of Childhood family guide when you arrive.
You can jump on board M Shed’s very own ‘Playbus’, play giant outdoor games, go for a train or boat ride and slurp on a delicious ice cream from M Café. Don’t forget to look out for characters from the Clangers hiding all over the museum!
Some activities only take place on selected days. Please ask at reception for details.
The Story of Children’s Television from 1946 to Today has been created by the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, in partnership with the Department of Film and Television Studies, University of Warwick. It is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, BBC, Ragdoll Productions, ITV, Kaleidoscope and the Children’s Media Foundation.
Image: Rastamouse © BBC
M Shed would like to thank Exhibition Supporter, University of the West of England.
