The Nut, Lydia Hornicka, 1967

The Story of the Southern Cross, Thelma Dufton, 1969

The Pub, Joseph Pierce, 2010

Via Cartoon Brew

Underdog - Episode 1, W. Watts Biggers, 1964

Via Metafilter I learned that the creator of Underdog, W. Watts Biggers, passed away on February 10th at the age of 85

In 1959, handling the General Mills account as an account executive with the Dancer Fitzgerald Sample advertising agency in New York, W. Watts Biggers teamed with Chet Stover, Treadwell D. Covington and artist Joe Harris in the creation of television cartoon shows to sell breakfast cereals for General Mills. The shows introduced such characters as King Leonardo, Tennessee Tuxedo and Underdog. (Wikipedia)

I totally used to wake up early to watch Underdog. Who remembers waking up early to watch cartoons? Please raise your hand, wave it about wildly, and shout MEMEME or I won't be able to see you through the internet.

When Roobarb Made a Spike, Bob Godfrey (narrated by Richard Briers 1934-2013) 1974

This has been a very sad week for Roobarb fans - Richard Briers, the narrator of the series, passed away on February 17th, just a few days before Bob Godfrey.

Do-It-Yourself Cartoon Kit, Bob Godfrey, 1961

One of Godfrey's earliest animations, this led to him influencing a number of animators to, well, do it themselves.

R.I.P. Bob Godfrey 1921 -2013

I just found out that the influential British animator Bob Godfrey passed away yesterday at the age of 91.

There are more eloquent remembrances elsewhere, of course, but felt compelled to say something as someone who not only has an appreciation for his skill and his influence, but has also become a big fan - thanks in no small part to working on this blog, which led me to seek out his work. I even have a copy of Henry 9 'til 5 on 8mm.

Here is a fomous episode of Bob Godfrey's Do-It-Yourself Animation Kit, featuring Terry Gilliam:


And a short documentary:






Cartoon Brew
The Guardian
The Independent